Hillsboro man among individuals charged in Ross County investigation
During a weeklong effort earlier this month, the Ross County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Ross County Sheriff’s Office, the Chillicothe Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for the State of Ohio (BCI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS), participated in a multi-agency undercover operation aimed at preventing alleged sexual exploitation and potential trafficking of children within Ross County.
Ross County Prosecuting Attorneys Chase Carter and Kelsey Reno worked alongside agents from each entity in following through with the logistics and strategies for the operation, as well as providing legal guidance throughout its duration.
As a result of the long hours put in by all parties involved, the undercover operation was able to directly prevent the alleged sexual abuse of children in the community. The operation resulted in numerous arrests, including:
• Stephen Case, 52, of Hillsboro, who was charged with attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
• Suraj Rai, 36, of Canal Winchester, who was charged with attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
• Brett Barnhart, 40, of Chillicothe, who was charged with corrupting another with drugs.
• Jeffrey Noble, 41, of Frankfort, who was charged with compelling prostitution and attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
• Nicholas Chabot, 38, of Hilliard, who was charged with attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
• Brandon Bennett, 38, of Chillicothe, who was charged with compelling prostitution, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and identity fraud.
This multi-day investigation continues to be ongoing. Digital evidence seized from some of the arrested parties continues to be analyzed by law enforcement agencies, and additional charges could be filed as a result of said analysis.
Further, as all other evidence from all enforcement is reviewed, additional arrests could be made.