A man wanted in Athens County on child pornography charges was taken into custody Wednesday after Portsmouth police tracked him to an Offnere Street residence.
Officers said they were dispatched to the home to serve a warrant for Jesse Stires, who was wanted on eight counts of pandering child pornography. Police initially held back while waiting for more details from Athens County, but returned about an hour later and arrested Stires without incident. He was booked into the Scioto County Jail.
What the Charges Mean
Under Ohio law, “pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor” — commonly called pandering child pornography — covers crimes such as creating, distributing, or possessing sexual images or videos of children. Depending on the circumstances, each count can be charged as a second-degree felony, carrying potential prison time of up to eight years per charge. Convictions also require mandatory registration as a sex offender.
The Bigger Picture
Police say cases like this highlight how local and county agencies work together to apprehend suspects accused of serious offenses. While the warrant originated in Athens County, Portsmouth officers executed the arrest after confirming Stires’ location.
Law enforcement officials stress that child pornography investigations are treated with the utmost seriousness because they involve the exploitation of children and often tie into broader networks of abuse.
Stires will remain in custody at the Scioto County Jail until his transfer to Athens County is arranged.
