Law enforcement has confirmed an arrest in connection with a Scioto County murder investigation.
James Paul Ruggles, 33, currently listed as homeless, was arrested on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, after detectives located him inside a business in the City of Portsmouth around 3:23 p.m. Sheriff David Thoroughman stated that detectives had been investigating the homicide non-stop since it was reported Monday night. By Tuesday, investigators had identified Ruggles as a person of interest. After searching multiple locations, they were able to detain him and transport him to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, where he was later formally arrested and charged in connection with the homicide.
Ruggles is being held on a long list of charges, including aggravated murder, aggravated arson, murder, felonious assault, arson, tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, and obstructing justice.
The Rocky Jordan Case
While Sheriff Thoroughman has not yet publicly confirmed that Ruggles’ arrest is directly tied to the killing of 59-year-old Rocky L. Jordan, the details of the case line up closely with the ongoing investigation into Jordan’s death.
Jordan was found unresponsive inside a home on Millers Run Fallen Timber Road around 9:40 p.m. Monday, after a friend called 911. Deputies, detectives, and EMS responded, and investigators quickly determined that the death was a homicide. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are assisting in processing evidence.
A Troubled History
Court records show Ruggles has faced repeated run-ins with the law:
- Arrested in December 2023 for disorderly conduct.
- Charged in 2022 with resisting arrest and obstruction of official business.
- Multiple domestic violence charges dating back to 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018.
- Additional charges in previous years included abduction and child endangering.
Community Reaction
The death of Rocky Jordan has shaken family and friends, many of whom shared heartfelt tributes online. One loved one wrote:
“This man, Rocky Jordan, stepped up and raised me as his own. He did for a lot of us. All he knew was work and raising kids. I’m shattered that he was taken from us last night and I will forever remember him as my daddy Rock.”
Sheriff Thoroughman emphasized that the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-354-7338.
