The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office is seeking more information about Michael Zornes, a Portsmouth man accused of raping a child. According to law enforcement officials, the child is now 11 years old. The assaults have happened since 2017.
The Arrest
Scioto County Daily News broke the story earlier today. We told you how Michael Zornes went into the Cell-Tech Express in Wheelersburg on Friday to have his phone repaired. A repair tech discovered the disgusting material on his phone and called law enforcement. The young woman and her coworker kept Zornes busy in the store to give law enforcement time to arrive. Their boss called the women ‘heroes’ for their quick thinking. Officers arrested Zornes at the store.
“I’m so proud of them. It was just the two girls there. I was on the phone with them, trying to help them out. You could hear him getting anxious up front. I was trying to direct her to buy more time. I’m so proud of them for being able to keep it together. They are literally heroes to me.”
The 11-Year-Old Victim
According to the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, their investigation revealed that several rapes and sexual assaults had occurred. They say Zornes has been having sexual conduct with a little girl for the past three years. He filmed the child while she performed sexual acts.
Chief Deputy Todd Miller said the child was taken to Adena Medical Center in Chillicothe. She was treated and released. Officers also contacted Children Services. Children Services contacted the child’s legal guardian. Officials said a safety plan was put in place to keep the child safe.
The Charges
Zornes is charged with 9 counts of child rape and 18 counts of pandering sexual materials involving a minor. He is held without bond and is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Monday.
The Sheriff’s Office says this is still an ongoing investigation. Officials said even more charges could be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury. Anyone with information should contact Detective Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091 all calls will remain anonymous
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