A motorcycle chase that tore through Xenia Township in Greene County ended in a crash and the arrest of a 25-year-old Jamestown man, police said. The takedown capped a targeted investigation into alleged sexual abuse of a biological child and the production of child sexual abuse material in Licking County.
Booking and charges
Licking County authorities identified the suspect as Kevin Daniel Kauff, 25, of Jamestown. County records show he was booked into the Licking County Jail on June 13 and is listed on docket 26CR394 for rape, a first-degree felony, with a bond set at $2,000,000. Those details appear on the county's online jail roster. See the Licking County Jail Roster.
Investigation and chase
According to WHIO, the arrest warrant grew out of a joint investigation by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI into alleged sexual abuse of a biological child and the production of child sexual abuse material.
WHIO reports that Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers tried to pull Kauff over, but he took off on his motorcycle. The pursuit continued until he reached the dead end of East Hoop Road in Xenia Township, then crossed a field before crashing on Jasper Road, where Greene County deputies moved in and arrested him.
Legal context
Rape is defined under Ohio law and classified as a first-degree felony, according to the Ohio Revised Code. Because investigators say the probe involves the production of child sexual abuse material, it is the type of case in which federal authorities often partner with local law enforcement, as documented by the FBI.
What's next
The investigation remains active, and investigators told WHIO that additional charges may be possible as evidence is reviewed. Kauff is being held at the Licking County Jail pending further court proceedings and arraignment. Case scheduling will be handled through the Licking County courts, per the county roster. More details are available on the Licking County Jail Roster.
