CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A 38-year-old man from Hilliard was arrested in Chillicothe after allegedly arranging to meet someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl for sexual activity, according to a police report.
Nicholas Matthew Chabot faces charges of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and attempt, stemming from a joint operation on Jan. 6, 2026, involving the Chillicothe Police Department, Ross County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children task force, and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Investigators said an undercover agent posed as a fictitious 15-year-old female named Emma on the website “Skip the Games,” known for facilitating sexual meetups. Chabot allegedly initiated contact via text at 10:06 a.m. EST, initially engaging in casual conversation before it turned sexual.
According to the report, Chabot was informed early in the exchange that Emma was 15, but continued messaging, expressing hesitation about potential legal consequences while arranging to meet. He allegedly discussed performing oral sex, agreed to bring “protection,” and arrived at the provided address.
Upon approaching the residence, Chabot was taken into custody. A search revealed a three-pack of condoms, a black Apple iPhone, and a clear cellophane bag containing a white powder, which Chabot admitted was cocaine during questioning after being read his Miranda rights, according to the police report.
In a recorded interview with detectives, Chabot said he traveled from Hilliard to Chillicothe to meet his father for money, but messaged the profile while en route. He claimed he thought the girl was joking about her age, researched Ohio’s age of consent upon arrival, and intended to verify her age in person. Chabot admitted buying condoms after learning she was 15 and said “everything leading up to his arrest looked like he was there to have sex with a 15-year-old,” but insisted he would not have proceeded without confirmation she was of legal age.
Search warrants were obtained for Chabot’s phone and vehicle. Police said phone records confirmed the chat logs, including a “test” message sent after his arrest, and showed he searched Ohio’s age of consent on Jan. 6. The vehicle was searched, but no additional details were provided in the report.
Chabot was transported to the Ross County Jail, where he remains in custody.
(Editor’s Note: All information was directly sourced from the police report provided by the Chillicothe Police Department. Report number PD-P2600061.)