A 50-year-old Camden man is in jail after a child under 13 reportedly ran from his Quail Creek neighborhood home Wednesday night and told family members he had exposed himself, according to local authorities. Police identified the man as Stephen Cook, who is being held on counts of importuning and public indecency.
What police say
Officers were called to the 600 block of Rose Boulevard in the Quail Creek community on Wednesday night, according to WHIO. Initial reports say Cook allegedly invited the juvenile into his home and then exposed himself. The child ran out of the house, and family members contacted the police.
Investigators identified Cook as the suspect after conducting multiple interviews, according to the station. Camden Police Chief Matt Spurlock told WHIO that no children or officers were injured during the incident or the arrest.
Booking and local response
Cook is being held at the Preble County Jail in Eaton, according to the county’s jail information page, which lists the facility address as 1139 Preble Drive. Authorities say the investigation remains active while prosecutors review the case and decide whether to file formal charges.
Legal implications
Importuning and public indecency are defined in state law and carry penalties that depend on the victim's age and the offender's prior record. Under Ohio law, importuning can be a felony in many circumstances, and public indecency covers exposing "the person's private parts" or engaging in sexual conduct in view of others. See Ohio Revised Code 2907.07 and Ohio Revised Code 2907.09 for specifics.
Whats next
Cook remains booked in the county jail as authorities continue their investigation and prepare any charging documents. WHIO's reporting provides the most detailed account available so far. Official court filings or a statement from prosecutors will clarify the next steps in the case.
