A West Portsmouth man is being held in the Scioto County Jail after detectives say a child sexual assault investigation has expanded to include multiple alleged victims spanning several years and more than one county.
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced the arrest of 75-year-old Larry D. Skaggs following an investigation that began with a report involving a child under the age of 13.
🚨 INVESTIGATION BEGAN WITH CHILDREN SERVICES REPORT
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives were contacted by Scioto County Children Services on June 23 regarding allegations that a child under 13 had been sexually assaulted.
Investigators interviewed the child and multiple witnesses during what the sheriff described as a comprehensive investigation.
Evidence led detectives to a residence in West Portsmouth, where they believe the assault occurred.
MORE ALLEGED VICTIMS IDENTIFIED
As detectives continued their investigation, they say they uncovered allegations involving additional victims.
According to the sheriff’s office, some of the alleged incidents date back several years in Scioto County, while another more recent allegation is being investigated in Franklin County.
The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office is now working with the Ohio State University Police Department as that investigation continues.
ARREST MADE WITHOUT INCIDENT
Deputies located Skaggs on June 23 and took him into custody without incident.
He has been charged with one count of Gross Sexual Imposition involving a victim under the age of 13, a third-degree felony.
COURT SETS BOND
Skaggs appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court, where a judge ordered him held in the Scioto County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
He is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on July 2.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
Sheriff Thoroughman thanked the staff at Southern Ohio Medical Center for assisting investigators during the case.
He also emphasized that the investigation remains active and said detectives expect to present additional charges to the Scioto County Grand Jury as the case progresses.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact Detective Sgt. Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.
As with all criminal cases, the charge is an allegation, and Skaggs is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
