(NORTH KINGSVILLE, Ohio) - Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced this morning the arrest of an Ashtabula County man accused of sexually abusing a juvenile male.
Agents with the Attorney General's Crimes Against Children Unit (CAC), a component of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), made the arrest in North Kingsville this morning. They were assisted by authorities with the Hocking County and Ashtabula County Sheriff's Offices.
Jason Sams is currently charged with one count of sexual battery. He is accused of bringing the juvenile to Hocking County in March 2012 where he allegedly engaged the child in sexual activity while staying in a cabin. A witness later called the Hocking County Sheriff's Office after seeing what he believed was illegal conduct.
"We are very thankful to the person who saw something that he knew was wrong and called deputies in an effort to protect the child victim," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. "Those assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit are experts in investigating cases of this kind, and we will make sure those who abuse Ohio's children are held accountable."
Investigators executed search warrants at Sams' North Kingsville home and computer business for additional evidence. They removed several boxes of potential evidence from each site.
Authorities said it is possible there are additional victims.
"Hocking County is known to be a major tourist attraction in the state, and it's possible the suspect (Mr. Sams) could have been in the area with other juveniles without our knowledge," said Hocking County Sheriff Lanny North. "Anyone who may have seen or rented any of their properties to the suspect is encouraged to contact us."
Anyone with information can contact BCI at 855-BCI-OHIO (855-224-6446) or the Hocking County Sheriff's Office at 740-385-2131.
Hocking County Prosecutor Laina Fetherolf will present the case to a grand jury for possible indictments.
Suspect Photograph:
Jason-Sams.jpg
Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco - 614-466-3840