CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – According to a news release issued Wednesday by Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey C. Marks, the arrests stem from a coordinated undercover operation conducted during the week of Jan. 5 involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The effort focused on preventing the sexual abuse and potential trafficking of children in Ross County.
The operation involved the Ross County Prosecutor’s Office, Ross County Sheriff’s Office, Chillicothe Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, the U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the FBI, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
Marks said the investigation resulted in multiple arrests, including:
- Stephen Case, 52, of Hillsboro, charged with attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Suraj Rai, 36, of Canal Winchester, charged with attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Brett Barnhart, 40, of Chillicothe, charged with corrupting another with drugs.
- Jeffrey Noble, 41, of Frankfort, charged with compelling prostitution and attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Nicholas Chabot, 38, of Hilliard, charged with attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Brandon Bennett, 38, of Chillicothe, charged with compelling prostitution, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and identity fraud.
The prosecutor’s office also clarified that Andrew Howard of Chillicothe, who was initially taken into custody during the operation, was later determined to be a victim of identity cloning. Authorities said Howard’s personal information had been used without his knowledge, and he has been cleared of any wrongdoing. A separate individual suspected of using Howard’s identity was later arrested and charged.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing. Digital evidence seized during the operation is still being analyzed, and additional arrests or charges could follow.