COLUMBUS, Ohio In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through central and southeast Ohio, a 21-year-old Ohio State University student from Columbus has been indicted on 21 felony charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. Anthony Bokar, a third-year undergraduate at OSU, faces accusations stemming from incidents in multiple counties, highlighting concerns over child safety and online interactions in the region.
The case unfolded after Bokar was initially arrested on February 12, 2026, at Pickerington Central High School in Fairfield County, where he had been serving as a student teacher through a university partnership program. According to court documents from Athens County Common Pleas Court, the allegations date back to October 2025, when Bokar allegedly purchased and delivered marijuana to the 13-year-old victim in Franklin County. Prosecutors state that the pair began communicating via Snapchat, leading to further interactions.
In November 2025, Bokar is accused of driving to Athens County to pick up the minor and engaging in sexual acts. The charges also involve sexting, with Bokar allegedly sending and receiving explicit photos and videos from the victim. Additionally, he reportedly instructed the girl to delete all traces of their communications from her phone, including messages, images, and videos.
Bokar’s initial charges included one count each of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, corrupting another with drugs, and tampering with evidence. He was arraigned shortly after his arrest, with a bond set at $500,000 and no 10 percent option allowed. Bond conditions prohibit contact with the victim, as well as the use of drugs or alcohol and entry into bars or similar establishments.
On February 23, 2026, an Athens County grand jury escalated the case by indicting Bokar on 21 charges, including three counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor involving the same victim and multiple child pornography-related offenses occurring in Athens and Coshocton counties. During court proceedings, prosecutors from the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office, led by Keller J. Blackburn, informed the judge of reports involving additional potential victims, which are currently under investigation by the prosecutor’s office and the Athens County Sheriff’s Office. These investigations span several Ohio counties, including Athens, Franklin, and Coshocton.
In response to the allegations, Ohio State University placed Bokar on interim suspension and barred him from campus and all university-related activities, including his student teaching assignment. OSU spokesperson Ben Johnson stated, “These allegations are extremely concerning. The individual in question has been placed on interim suspension and is not currently allowed on campus or at university engagements, including student teaching assignments. Nothing is more important than the safety of our campus community, and we will assist law enforcement in any way needed.” Bokar was also removed from the Buckeye Student Leadership Academy webpage, where he had been listed as a Student Engagement Leader of Access Strategies.
Pickerington Local Schools confirmed that Bokar would not return to his role at Pickerington Central High School. A spokesperson for the district emphasized that no students from Pickerington schools were involved in the incident. Principal Roshawn Parker notified parents via letter, noting that law enforcement had removed the student teacher from the building due to the allegations but could not share further details amid the active investigation.
This case raises significant concerns for south central Ohio communities, where families rely on educational institutions for safe environments and where online platforms like Snapchat can pose risks to minors. As investigations continue, authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office at 740-592-3208.
Next steps in the legal process include further court appearances for Bokar, potential arraignment on the expanded indictment, and ongoing probes into additional victims that could lead to more charges. A trial date has not yet been set, and Bokar is presumed innocent until proven guilty under Ohio law. The Athens County Common Pleas Court will handle the proceedings, with updates expected as the case progresses.
This developing story underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting children from exploitation, a priority for law enforcement and educators across the Buckeye State. Stay tuned for updates on this Athens County sexual assault indictment involving an OSU student.
