In the quiet towns of Southern Ohio—where neighborhoods are tight-knit and schools are central to daily life—a chilling truth has come to light: child predators are not just an online menace or distant threat. They’re here. In our communities. And law enforcement says the danger is very real.
Over the past year, a coordinated and aggressive effort by multiple law enforcement agencies has uncovered deeply disturbing crimes involving child sexual exploitation, trafficking attempts, and the distribution of graphic child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The sheer scale and depravity of these crimes should serve as a wake-up call to every parent and caregiver in the region.
Uncovering a Network of Predators
Investigations led by the Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force, in partnership with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and multiple county and city law enforcement agencies, have resulted in a string of arrests and convictions.
Sean Spellman, arrested in late summer 2024, was found in possession of CSAM involving infants. He’s now serving 16–20 years in prison.
Michael Waugh, Larry Zehm, Carl Loper, and Brad Peters were arrested during online sting operations for attempting to engage in or purchase sex from minors. All were successfully prosecuted in Pike County.
On April 16, 2025, Kyle Rhoades was sentenced to 16–20 years for his own possession of CSAM.
In spring 2025, Byron Myers and Joseph Keeney were indicted for allegedly trying to solicit sex from a minor.
Perhaps most shockingly, Joseph Heflin, from Texas, traveled across state lines with the intent to abduct a child from Pike County and take her out of state. That case has drawn national interest and remains under federal investigation.
And on July 3, 2025, Clayton Huber Pender, a convicted child molester out on parole, was arrested for attempting to produce CSAM involving children as young as 10. He was captured thanks to joint efforts between Ohio and Georgia law enforcement.
A Unified Front Against Exploitation
Local agencies, including the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, Portsmouth and New Boston Police Departments, and the FBI, have all played critical roles in the operations. Special thanks were extended to officers and operatives who worked undercover, exposing predators by posing as children online.
The Warning for Parents: This Danger Is Not Theoretical
Let’s be clear: These crimes are not happening in far-off cities—they are happening right here in Southern Ohio. The internet has removed geographic boundaries for predators, and they are actively seeking out vulnerable children in our area.
If you’re a parent, the time to act is now. Law enforcement urges families to stay vigilant:
Tips for Keeping Your Children Safe
Monitor online activity. Know what apps your child is using, who they’re talking to, and what they’re sharing.
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Have open conversations. Encourage your kids to come to you with concerns. Let them know it’s okay to talk about anything that feels uncomfortable.
Use parental controls. Most devices and internet providers offer settings that limit access to unsafe content.
Stay informed. Keep up to date with local news and law enforcement alerts about ongoing investigations or threats.
Report suspicious activity. If you suspect online grooming or exploitation, report it immediately to law enforcement or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
What Comes Next
With multiple cases still under investigation, authorities are urging continued public support and awareness. Community members are asked to remain alert and report anything unusual. “We’ve made progress,” said Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman, “but this battle is far from over.”
These recent cases serve as a stark and sobering reminder: No community is immune. It’s time we all recognize the danger, educate ourselves and our children, and work together to protect the most vulnerable among us.
If you suspect a child is in danger, call 911 immediately. To report child sexual exploitation, contact the CyberTipline at 1-800-843-5678 or visit www.missingkids.org.
Let’s protect our kids—because the threat is real, and it’s here.
