Portsmouth man charged with compelling prostitution

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman reports that on Monday, Sept. 22, Deputy Megan Carver was driving southbound on Scioto Trail approaching the intersection of Kinney’s Lane and Scioto Trail. The deputy noticed a female attempting to roll down the rear passenger window as if she needed help. 

Deputy Carver later heard the female allegedly screaming out the window that the driver was high and it was unsafe. Deputy Carver stopped the vehicle on Kinney’s Lane, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol assisted on the stop.

During the traffic stop, information was disclosed of a possible sexual offense involving a juvenile, along with other allegations. As a result of these allegations, a detective responded. 

The deputy and detective were able to determine that one of the juveniles had been paid through an app for performing a sexual act on the adult driver.

Arrested was Alex Ivan Ortiz Morales, 19, of Portsmouth. Morales was charged with one count of compelling prostitution involving a minor, a felony of the third degree. Morales posted a $10,000 cash bond. The Ohio State Highway Patrol served a summons on Morales for OVI. 

This is still an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.