A Portsmouth man faces charges involving compelling prostitution after a traffic stop revealed a minor had been coerced into a sexual act, Scioto County Sheriff's Office reports. Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced the arrest of 19-year-old Alex Ivan Ortiz Morales, following an incident that began when Deputy Megan Carver, while driving southbound on Scioto Trail, observed a distressed female passenger seemingly seeking aid.
According to the sheriff's office, Deputy Carver heard the woman shouting from the vehicle that the driver was high and the situation was unsafe. After stopping the vehicle, with assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a detective was brought in due to allegations of a sexual offense involving a juvenile, among other claims. While sifting through the layers of the traffic stop, details emerged pointing toward a vile exchange—the sheriff's department claims one of the juveniles was compensated via a Cash App for performing oral sex on Morales.
In a statement obtained by the Scioto County Sheriff's Office website, Sheriff Thoroughman disclosed that Morales, residing at 1327 Summit St. in Portsmouth, was charged with one count of compelling prostitution involving a minor, a third-degree felony. After posting a $10,000 cash bond, Morales was released.
Morales also faced a summons from the Ohio State Highway Patrol for an OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) charge. Making his initial court appearance yesterday, in Portsmouth Municipal Court, Morales began the legal journey through the ensuing fallout of the traffic stop. As the investigation continues to unfold, Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel is spearheading the inquiry and encourages those with any relevant information to step forward and make contact at 740-351-1091.
