Arrest made in child sexual assault investigation in Scioto County
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman has announced the arrest of Norman Meadows, 21, in connection with a violent sexual assault that allegedly occurred at Roosevelt Lake in West Portsmouth.
The investigation began in the early morning hours of June 15, when sheriff’s detectives were notified by Adena Medical Center in Waverly that they were treating a child victim of a sexual assault.
Following a comprehensive investigation, detectives determined the assault allegedly occurred at Roosevelt Lake. The victim, who is under the age of 13, was at the lake with family and was approached by an adult male inside the facility’s restroom. The suspect reportedly brandished a knife, threatened the victim and committed a sexual assault.
Before fleeing, it is alleged the suspect threatened the victim to ensure the victim’s silence, claiming he knew where the victim resided and would inflict harm on the victim and the victim’s family if the victim reported the incident.
Detectives from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, conducted a thorough search of the crime scene and surrounding forest area for evidence.
Through witness statements and investigative leads, detectives identified a large group from an area drug rehab center that was present at the lake during the incident. Detectives subsequently served a search warrant at the drug rehab center to obtain DNA and photographic evidence.
Following a review of the crime lab results, detectives traveled to another drug rehab center location, where, with the agency's full cooperation, they detained the suspect for questioning.
Norman Meadows (last known address: homeless) was booked into the Scioto County Jail. He has been charged with rape, a first-degree felony; kidnapping, a first-degree felony; felonious assault, a second-degree felony; abduction, a third-degree felony; tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony; and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony.
Sheriff Thoroughman expressed his appreciation to all agencies involved in the successful apprehension of the suspect, including Scioto County Prosecutor Shane Tieman’s Office, Adena Medical Center, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Garden Family Advocacy Center in Chillicothe and the drug rehab center for their cooperation during this investigation.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional charges may be presented to a Scioto County grand jury as the case progresses.
Anyone with further information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.