ATHENS, Ohio — A Glouster man appeared in court last week, facing 21 charges related to serious offenses involving minors. Robert J. Collins, 62, was arraigned on November 5, 2024, in the Athens County Court of Common Pleas, after being arrested on a 21-count indictment that includes five counts of rape, attempted rape, and other charges, including tampering with evidence and intimidation of a witness.
The charges follow a lengthy investigation led by the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office and the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office. According to court documents, the investigation uncovered evidence that Collins allegedly engaged in illicit conduct with at least six minors, both male and female, beginning in 1985 and continuing into October 2024.
Reports provided to law enforcement indicate that Collins allegedly provided minors with alcohol, vapes, and marijuana, as well as gifts, and then coerced them into prohibited activities. Allegations also suggest that Collins attempted to dissuade the individuals from reporting his actions through monetary incentives and alleged threats.
Collins has a prior criminal record with similar convictions. He was previously imprisoned in 1987 for Gross Sexual Imposition and again in 1994 on charges of rape and Gross Sexual Imposition. For the current charges, Collins appeared before Judge Patrick J. Lang, who denied bond pending a no-bond hearing set for November 13, 2024. Collins remains in custody at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.
Here is a list of the charges faced by Robert J. Collins in Athens County:
- Rape – 5 counts, felonies of the first degree
- Attempted Rape – 1 count, felony of the second degree
- Corrupting Another with Drugs – 2 counts, felonies of the fourth degree
- Attempted Corrupting Another with Drugs – 3 counts, felonies of the fifth degree
- Gross Sexual Imposition – 3 counts, felonies of the fourth degree
- Attempted Gross Sexual Imposition – 2 counts, felonies of the fifth degree
- Intimidation of an Attorney, Victim, or Witness in a Criminal Case – 2 counts, felonies of the third degree
- Tampering with Evidence – 1 count, felony of the third degree
- Illegal Use of Minor or Impaired Person in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance – 1 count, felony of the second degree
- Menacing by Stalking – 1 count, felony of the fourth degree