Too Late to Stop the Hurt: Man Comes Forward a Decade After Learning of Child Sex Abuse

A man recently contacted Portsmouth Police with a heavy admission: ten years ago, he heard disturbing rumors that a man volunteering at a local church was having sexual relationships with two minors. At the time, he said he failed to report what he’d heard. Now, driven by what he described as a spiritual calling, he wanted to finally come forward and “make things right.” The man told police he was concerned he might have committed a crime by staying silent for so long. While there are typically no legal penalties for failing to report secondhand information unless someone is in a mandated reporter role, the emotional and moral weight of not acting can last for years. When police looked into the matter, they discovered that the man in question — Boyd Robert “Robbie” Shugert — had already been arrested back in 2018 and convicted of multiple crimes involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors. Shugert’s Charges and Conviction Shugert, who was 24 at the time of his arrest, faced a staggering list of charges: 2 counts of sexual battery 1 count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor 4 counts of gross sexual imposition 2 counts of importuning 2 counts of voyeurism 5 counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor 7 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance 2 counts of attempted sexual battery 3 counts of attempted illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance Investigators say Shugert secretly took nude photos of teen boys while they were sleeping or using the restroom and solicited them for sex acts. Many of the victims were unaware they had even been photographed or abused. Shugert was arrested in Rosemount in 2018 when he showed up to what he believed was a meeting with a 15-year-old boy in exchange for $200. The “boy” was actually part of a law enforcement sting. He was convicted and sentenced to prison. He is currently serving time at Chillicothe Correctional Institution and will not be eligible for parole until 2035. Detective Jodi Conkel, who worked the case, said the investigation began when a concerned parent came forward on Easter Sunday — a courageous move that helped expose a long-running pattern of abuse. The Cost of Silence It is not known whether an earlier report from the witness — back when he first heard the rumors in 2015 — could have stopped Shugert sooner. What is known is that earlier intervention might have spared some victims. This case is a powerful and tragic reminder of the importance of reporting suspected child sexual abuse immediately, even if you only have rumors or secondhand information. What You Can Do If You Suspect Abuse: Call your local police or sheriff’s department. Report to Children Services: In Ohio, you can call 855-OH-CHILD to report suspected abuse. Talk to a school counselor, pastor, or mandated reporter if you’re unsure where to begin. Don’t wait for “proof” — let trained investigators determine what’s real. Even if you’re not a mandated reporter, you could be the only person who has the information that could stop a predator. Child predators often rely on secrecy, shame, and the assumption that adults won’t speak up. If You See Something, Say Something — Immediately By the time Shugert was arrested, the damage was already done for many of his victims — some of whom were never even aware of the abuse until investigators contacted them. Coming forward years later might ease personal guilt — but it cannot undo the harm. If you have information now, don’t wait. Speak up. Protecting a child is worth every ounce of discomfort or doubt.

Related Content

Worker Assaulted at Group Home: Incident Highlights Safety Risks and Foster Care Gaps

“Please Help Julia”: Truck Owner Holds Suspected Thief at Gunpoint — But Homeless Woman’s Arrest Highlights Bigger Crisis