Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced the arrest of 75-year-old Larry D. Skaggs of State Route 239 in West Portsmouth on one count of gross sexual imposition involving a victim under the age of 13.
The charge is a felony of the third degree. Skaggs appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court and is being held on a $25,000 bond.
The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation began June 23 when Scioto County Children Services contacted detectives about a reported sexual assault of a child. Detectives interviewed the victim and several witnesses. Evidence gathered during the inquiry showed the assault occurred at a residence in West Portsmouth.
As the investigation expanded, detectives identified additional victims. These include allegations of incidents from several years ago in Scioto County and a more recent incident in Franklin County. The sheriff’s office is coordinating with the Ohio State University Police Department on the additional allegations.
Skaggs was located and detained without incident on June 23.
Sheriff Thoroughman expressed gratitude to the staff at Southern Ohio Medical Center for their assistance and partnership during the investigation.
“This is an active, ongoing investigation,” Sheriff Thoroughman said. “We anticipate that additional charges will be presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury as the case proceeds.”
Anyone with further information regarding the investigation is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.
The Scioto County Sheriff’s Office is located at 1025 16th Street in Portsmouth. General inquiries can be directed to 740-354-7566.
