An arrest has been made in connection with a murder and arson investigation in Scioto County.
James Ruggles is currently being held in the Scioto County Jail on a long list of charges, including aggravated murder, aggravated arson, murder, felonious assault, arson, tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, and obstructing justice.
So far, authorities have not officially confirmed that Ruggles’ arrest is tied to the recent homicide of 59-year-old Rocky L. Jordan, whose body was discovered Monday night on Millers Run Fallen Timber Road. However, the details of Ruggles’ case strongly resemble the circumstances of the Jordan investigation, which also involved a death determined to be a homicide and an active arson inquiry.
The Rocky Jordan Case
On Monday around 9:40 p.m., a caller to Scioto County 911 reported finding a man unresponsive inside a home on Millers Run Fallen Timber Road. Deputies, detectives, and EMS arrived, and investigators quickly determined the death was the result of a homicide.
The victim was identified as Rocky L. Jordan, age 59. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the State Fire Marshal’s Office were brought in to assist with evidence collection and investigation.
Sheriff David Thoroughman has said the case remains an active investigation and encouraged anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-354-7338.
A Troubled History
Court records show that Ruggles has a lengthy criminal background:
- 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 past years included abduction and child endangering.
Community Reaction
Meanwhile, friends and family of Rocky Jordan have taken to social media to share their grief and memories. 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.”
As of now, investigators have not drawn a direct public link between Jordan’s homicide and Ruggles’ charges. But for many in Scioto County, the timing and details make the connection difficult to ignore.