WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — A former Fayette County sheriff’s deputy facing a growing number of child‑sex‑related felony charges has been released on an own‑recognizance bond as his cases move toward a June trial date, according to court records.
Justin W. Bennett, 34, of Washington Court House, was indicted Feb. 6 on 24 counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, including 12 second‑degree felonies and 12 fourth‑degree felonies. A summons was served the following day, and Bennett entered a written not‑guilty plea on March 6.
A bond order filed Feb. 6 set Bennett’s bond at $50,000, but designated the full amount as O.R., allowing his release without posting cash or surety. The order requires pre‑trial supervision and prohibits contact with any alleged victims. The bond entry was formally recorded on March 30, when the court also rescheduled his jury trial for June 16 at 8 a.m.
Earlier Case Joined With New Indictment
The new charges were joined with Bennett’s earlier 2025 case. That case began with a May 2025 indictment alleging multiple counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor. Bennett was initially held on a $250,000 cash or surety bond in that case before later proceedings shifted to pre‑trial litigation.
Background of the Investigation
The earlier case began in early 2025 after investigators obtained electronic evidence during a search of Bennett’s home. Bennett resigned from the sheriff’s office shortly after the initial allegations surfaced. He had been employed as a deputy since 2021.
Next Court Date
Bennett’s consolidated case is scheduled for a jury trial on June 16 at 8 a.m. in the Fayette County Common Pleas Court.