A Portsmouth couple is facing the possibility of decades behind bars after a multi-agency investigation linked them to the online distribution of child sexual assault material. The details of the case, the charges, and the potential prison time paint a serious picture of the allegations now moving into the court system.
Portsmouth Police have arrested Gerald Ohara, 43, and Beverly Ohara, 38, following an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation that led detectives to the couple’s residence at 2015 20th Street on December 4, 2025.
According to investigators, ICAC contacted the Portsmouth Police Department after receiving information that child sexual assault material was being sent online using phone numbers linked to the Oharas. Portsmouth detectives executed a search warrant at the home, where both suspects were taken into custody.
Gerald and Beverly Ohara have each been charged with three Felony 2 offenses:
- Pandering obscenity involving a minor
- Pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor
- Illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material
Under Ohio law, each Felony 2 charge carries a potential prison sentence of 2 to 8 years. With three counts each, both Gerald and Beverly Ohara are facing:
- 6 to 24 years in prison if convicted and sentenced consecutively.
Both suspects were transported to the Scioto County Jail, where they remain pending arraignment in Portsmouth Municipal Court.
Police are asking anyone with additional information about the case or about Gerald or Beverly Ohara to contact Detective Tori Pistole at 740-354-1600.
SCDN will continue to follow the case as it progresses through the courts.