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RAVENNA, Ohio – A Portage County Sheriff’s Office corrections officer is facing felony charges after investigators say the case involved the transmission of explicit photographs and the potential for extortion, according to the sheriff’s office and court records.
The Portage County Sheriff’s Office said it received information Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, regarding an incident involving three corrections officers employed by the agency. Following interviews with the suspect and the alleged victim, and a review of relevant text message communications, investigators determined the suspect’s actions constituted alleged violations of Ohio law, including extortion, a third-degree felony, and dissemination of an image of another person, a fifth-degree felony.
The allegations have been described as “sextortion,” with reports indicating the corrections officer is accused of threatening to release, exhibit, or distribute private images unless additional private images were provided.
Arrest, booking, and transfer to Trumbull County
The sheriff’s office said the suspect was arrested and booked into the Portage County Justice Center. Due to safety concerns and to prevent any potential contact between the suspect and the victim, the suspect was later transported to the Trumbull County Jail, where he was housed pending an initial arraignment.
The corrections officer was arraigned in Ravenna Municipal Court, with bond set at $10,000 (10% allowed) and a future court date scheduled.
Employment status and internal review
The sheriff’s office said the corrections officer was placed on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of court proceedings. After the criminal case is completed, an internal investigation will be conducted in accordance with agency policy, the statement said.
The agency said no further information was being released at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.