Area law enforcement officials are investigating multiple, unrelated cases of sexual abuse involving minors, exposing an alarming pattern of abuse by both trusted adults and online predators. These recent cases, pulled directly from law enforcement records, are a clear and immediate threat to the safety of children and teens in the area.
Officials say that while each case is being thoroughly investigated, the incidents reveal a disturbing trend that demands attention from every parent, educator, and community leader.
CASE 1: Young Woman Reports Years of Abuse by Grandfather
In one of the most serious reports, a young woman came to the Lawrence Sheriff’s Office in person to report that she had been sexually abused by her grandfather for approximately seven years.
She stated the assaults occurred at their home and included inappropriate touching, rape while she was sleeping, and physical violence. She also reported that he had pointed a firearm at her during past incidents, further silencing her through fear and intimidation.
Sheriff’s deputies immediately referred the case to detectives. This case remains under active investigation.
CASE 2: Teen Girl Coerced by Older Man Met on Snapchat
In another incident, a 16-year-old girl reported she had snuck out of her home to meet a 25-year-old man with whom she had communicated via Snapchat. The girl told deputies she had made her age clear, but the man still pressured her to come to his residence—located more than an hour away.
While there, she said he touched her despite her protests. Eventually, she said she gave in out of fear and confusion, and the man sexually assaulted her. He then allegedly forced her to shower with him and told her to leave behind her underwear for “next time.”
Clothing was collected as evidence, and the case has been referred to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office. While the age of consent in Ohio is 16, law enforcement stresses that the manipulative and coercive behavior described may warrant criminal charges.
CASE 3: Father Accused of Repeated Sexual Assaults of His Daughter
Deputies also responded to a call in Proctorville, where a mother reported that her daughter disclosed repeated sexual abuse by her father.
The teenager stated the abuse began in late 2024 and had continued through the week she came forward. She estimated at least 40 separate assaults—most occurring when her mother was either not home or asleep. The girl told deputies her father threatened to blame her if she ever told anyone.
Deputies arrested the man at the scene. The case is ongoing.
A Community-Wide Call for Awareness and Action
These incidents, though unrelated, reflect a growing danger in Lawrence County: children and teens being targeted by predators both inside their homes and online.
