A Chillicothe man with publicly listed fire and EMS ties has been charged after an undercover investigation in Greenfield involving allegations of online communication with someone he believed was a juvenile.
According to information provided to SCDN by someone who was in the courtroom during Freeman’s hearing, Nathan T. Freeman, 36, of Chillicothe, was arrested after an undercover operation involving Greenfield police and the Highland County Task Force.
Freeman is accused of communicating online with an undercover officer he allegedly believed was a 15-year-old.
He was charged with importuning, a felony, and two counts of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.
Freeman pleaded not guilty and was released on a signature bond with electronic monitoring, according to court information provided to SCDN. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Aug. 24.
Authorities reportedly took Freeman into custody following a traffic stop in Greenfield. No struggle or injury was reported.
The case is drawing attention because Freeman publicly lists work and volunteer roles connected to fire, EMS, and community safety.
A social media profile under Freeman’s name lists him as a firefighter/paramedic with Scioto Township Fire Department and a former firefighter/EMT with the same department. The profile also lists a former youth leader role at the South Central Ohio Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
Information provided to SCDN also indicates Freeman has been connected to the Ross County Fire Association, Chillicothe fireworks operations, and EMS coverage for the Ross County Fair.
SCDN is seeking additional records from Greenfield police and Greenfield court to confirm the full investigative report, charging documents, bond conditions, and any agency affiliations tied to Freeman.
The charges are allegations. Freeman is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
