CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey announced that the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office raided a local business for child pornography.
Helping them was the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force as they successfully executed two search warrants and an arrest warrant in Pickaway County.
The first search warrant was executed at 65 Bullit Autosports on Western Avenue. During the operation, Joshua C. Bethel, 41 years old from Circleville, Ohio, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant. The second search warrant was executed at 9188 Tarlton Road, Circleville, Ohio, resulting in the seizure of evidence.
Bethel faces nine charges of Pandering Sexually Oriented Material Involving a Minor, all Felonies of the Second Degree, as well as one count of Disseminating Matter Harmful to a Juvenile, a Felony of the Fourth Degree.
Currently, Bethel is in custody at the Pickaway County Jail awaiting his Preliminary Hearing in the Circleville Municipal Court.
Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, it is possible that additional charges may be brought forth at a later date.
Sheriff Hafey expressed his gratitude for the continuous collaboration between the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office ICAC Task Force in their joint efforts to ensure the safety of our children.