The Portsmouth Police Department and the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Special Victims Unit notified the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, July 18, 2022, that a 5-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted in Portsmouth.
According to Sheriff Thoroughman, the 5-year-old victim was initially transported to Southern Ohio Medical Center for treatment. She was moved to Adena Regional Medical Center in Pike County to continue her treatment and undergo an evaluation for sexual assault.
In conjunction with the Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel initiated an investigation. The inquiry uncovered witnesses who resided in the vicinity of the incident, resulting in the recovery of video from the incident. Det. Sgt. Conkel was able to find the suspect at his Portsmouth, Ohio residence, located at 1332 Park Ave. Without incident, he was detained for questioning, which ultimately led to his arrest.
Cody Lee Taylor, age 18 of Portsmouth, was arrested by police. Taylor has been charged with one count of first-degree criminal rape. Taylor is now being held on a $100,000.00 bond and is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court today morning, July 19, 2022.
Sheriff David Thoroughman emphasized that the swift arrest was due to the collaborative efforts of the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, Portsmouth Police Department, Adena Hospital, Portsmouth Metropolitan Housing Security, and the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit.
Call Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091 if you have any information.