PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced the arrest of a 21-year-old man in connection with a violent sexual assault of a child that occurred at Roosevelt Lake in West Portsmouth.
The investigation began in the early morning hours of June 15, 2026, when sheriff’s detectives were notified by Adena Medical Center in Waverly that they were treating a child victim of a sexual assault. Detectives later determined the assault took place at Roosevelt Lake. The victim, who is under the age of 13, was at the lake with family when approached by an adult male inside the facility’s restroom. The suspect reportedly brandished a knife, threatened the victim, and committed a sexual assault. Before fleeing, the suspect threatened the victim to ensure her silence, claiming he knew where she lived and would harm her and her family if she reported the incident.
Detectives from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, searched the crime scene and surrounding forest area for evidence. Through witness statements and investigative leads, they identified a large group from a local drug rehab center that was present at the lake during the incident. Detectives served a search warrant at the center’s Portsmouth location to obtain DNA and photographic evidence. After reviewing crime lab results, investigators traveled to the center’s Ironton location, where they detained the suspect with the agency’s full cooperation.
“It’s very disgusting and if someone is guilty of that they should never see the light of day again. I can’t say what I’d do. Kids come here all the time” said one local resident who was fishing at the lake while Hopewell Heritage Headlines staff were collecting pictures.
“How scary to think that you can’t enjoy a park with your family. It’s as horrifying as it is sad.” said another mother at the lake.
Suspect and charges
Norman Meadows, age 21, whose last known address was listed as homeless, has been booked into the Scioto County Jail. He is currently held without bond and is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Meadows faces these charges:
• Rape (first-degree felony)
• Kidnapping (first-degree felony)
• Felonious Assault (second-degree felony)
• Abduction (third-degree felony)
• Tampering with Evidence (third-degree felony)
• Possession of Criminal Tools (fifth-degree felony)
Sheriff Thoroughman thanked the agencies that assisted in the investigation, including the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office, Adena Medical Center, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Garden Family Advocacy Center in Chillicothe, and the Drug Rehab Center.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional charges may be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury as the case progresses. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.
