Wheelersburg man charged with rape

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman reports that on Sunday, Jan. 7, the 911 communication center received a call from alleging that two juveniles had been sexually assaulted. The caller advised that both juveniles were under the age of 10.

A deputy, as well as a detective, responded to initiate the investigation. Detectives, working jointly with the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit, spoke with the reported victims and witnesses, gathering information which led to a suspect’s identification.

Deputies responded to the suspect’s residence in Wheelersburg. The suspect was detained and questioned, which led to the search of his apartment and the collection of evidence.

Arrested was Jonathan Andrew Gold, 31, of Wheelersburg. Gold has been charged with 10 counts of rape of a child under the age of 10, a felony of the first degree; and one count of pandering obscenity involving a minor, a felony of the second degree. 

Sheriff Thoroughman stated that this is an ongoing investigation that will result in more charges being presented to a Scioto County grand jury on a later date. Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.