Portsmouth police responded to a report of a man sleeping under a blanket in front of Portsmouth Coin & Currency on Chillicothe Street at 6 a.m. Witnesses alerted authorities to the individual, whom officers recognized from prior encounters.
The man, who has an extensive criminal record, has appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court at least 16 times on charges ranging from drug trafficking and robbery to multiple counts of criminal trespassing, theft, domestic threats, and rape. He previously served time at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility, where he was twice indicted for harassment with a bodily substance—an offense that extended his prison sentence.
Despite his history, officers simply asked him to move along. This time, he complied, leaving the area with only a warning.
However, the next day, he turned up at Speedway on Gallia. An employee reported a man had stolen beef jerky from the stores and was still hanging out in the parking lot. Employees said they wouldn’t press charges if he returned the jerky.
Police spoke to him, and he returned the stolen goods. Officers served him with a no-trespass order and warned him he’d be arrested for criminal trespass if he returned.
A Growing Crisis on Portsmouth’s Streets
Scenes like this are becoming more common as Portsmouth struggles with a rising homelessness crisis. Many of the people living on the city’s streets have extensive criminal backgrounds, often cycling between prison, shelters, and makeshift encampments. Their presence raises public safety concerns while also making it even more difficult for them to reintegrate into society.
Formerly incarcerated individuals face steep challenges when attempting to rebuild their lives. A lack of housing, employment opportunities, and mental health resources often forces them back into old patterns. Without stable support, many end up in situations that lead to further criminal activity or continued homelessness.
For the public, this cycle creates ongoing concerns about safety, particularly when individuals with violent criminal histories are left with no options but to live in public spaces. Without intervention, the problem only worsens—both for the community and for those struggling to escape their past.
