PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday the arrest of a 20-year-old Minford man following a violent domestic incident Sunday evening that left a pregnant woman with multiple injuries, including trauma to the placenta of her unborn child.
Sheriff David Thoroughman said deputies responded at approximately 8:08 p.m. on July 5, 2026, after the Scioto County 911 Communications Center received a report of an active domestic dispute at a residence on Parson Road in Minford.
Deputies found the victim suffering from multiple injuries. She was transported by emergency squad to Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth and admitted for treatment. The suspect had already left the scene.
Detectives continued the investigation into the early morning hours of July 6 and located the man at his place of employment in Pike County. He was arrested without incident.
John Michael Odiam, 20, of Parson Road in Minford, has been charged with:
• Domestic Violence (felony of the fourth degree)
• Felonious Assault (three counts, felonies of the second degree)
• Abduction (felony of the third degree)
• Strangulation (felony of the second degree)
Odiam is being held in the Scioto County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.
Sheriff Thoroughman thanked the labor and delivery staff at Southern Ohio Medical Center for their critical assistance during the investigation.
The case remains under investigation. Additional charges may be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury at a later date. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at (740) 351-1091.
This information comes directly from the official press release issued by the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office on July 6, 2026. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available 24/7.
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text LOVEIS to 22522. Chat online at thehotline.org.
In Ohio, contact the Ohio Domestic Violence Network at 1-800-934-9840 or visit odvn.org to connect with local programs.
