A 70-year-old Lancaster man is behind bars after a person under 18 recently reported alleged sexual abuse that authorities say dates back years. The incidents, described to investigators as a historical sexual assault, were reported to have occurred around Jan. 1, 2015. Deputies identified the suspect as Terry Allen Green, who was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Fairfield County Jail. Officials say there is no known ongoing risk to the community.
In a Feb. 9 post on Facebook, the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office said deputies arrested Green without incident on Friday, Feb. 6, after receiving the initial report on Feb. 2. According to the post, the Fairfield County Prosecutor's Office has filed a rape charge in the case. Investigators said they gathered evidence and statements as part of the probe and that the alleged offenses took place on or about Jan. 1, 2015, at a residence on Hopewell Church Road SW in Lancaster. Because of the victim's age and the nature of the investigation, the sheriff's office said no further details will be released and described public safety as "no known threat and no ongoing risk to the community at this time."
Investigation and Victim Support
According to the sheriff's post, the victim was interviewed at Harcum House Child Advocacy Center in Lancaster, a facility that conducts forensic interviews and coordinates services for children and families who have experienced abuse. Harcum House explains on its website that children's advocacy centers are designed to cut down on repeated interviews, while connecting victims with medical care, mental health support and advocacy services during an investigation. The approach is intended to support both the investigative process and the recovery of survivors.
Local Context
In recent years, Fairfield County prosecutors have moved forward with historical abuse cases when victims come forward, relying on coordinated work among detectives, medical professionals and children's advocacy centers. A high-profile case in the county last year ended with a lengthy sentence, underscoring the willingness to pursue long-running allegations, as reported in a story on a lengthy sentence.
What Happens Next
Green remains in custody at the Fairfield County Jail while the prosecutor's office finalizes charging details and court scheduling. Formal filings and an arraignment date will appear in public court records. The sheriff's office has reiterated that no additional case information will be released while the investigation is ongoing, in line with its Facebook post.
