A day at Roosevelt Lake in West Portsmouth turned into a criminal investigation this week, after authorities say a young girl under 13 was sexually assaulted inside a restroom and threatened with a knife before the attacker took off.
Investigation and arrest
Detectives were first alerted on Monday, June 15, when medical staff at Adena Medical Center in Waverly began treating a child for a reported sexual assault, according to a press release from the Scioto County Sheriff's Office. Investigators determined the assault happened in a restroom at Roosevelt Lake and say the suspect pulled a knife, threatened the victim, then ran from the scene.
Deputies, along with officers from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, searched the lake area and nearby woods while the investigation got underway, the sheriff's office said.
How detectives say they tied the suspect to the scene
As reported by WSYX, investigators learned a large group from a local drug rehab center had been at the lake that day. Detectives served a search warrant at the center's Portsmouth location, collecting DNA samples and photographic evidence.
After crime lab results were reviewed, detectives traveled to the rehab center's Ironton site and detained 21-year-old Norman Meadows for questioning, according to the station. Witness accounts and other investigative leads were key to identifying Meadows as the suspect, WSYX reports.
Charges and custody
Per the Scioto County Sheriff's Office, Meadows was booked into the Scioto County Jail on felony counts of rape, kidnapping, and felonious assault. He also faces charges of abduction, tampering with evidence, and possession of criminal tools, and is being held without bond.
The sheriff's office says Meadows was scheduled for an appearance in Portsmouth Municipal Court yesterday, and that additional charges could be presented to a Scioto County grand jury as the case progresses.
Authorities publicly thanked Adena Medical Center, the Garden Family Advocacy Center in Chillicothe, and the rehab facility for cooperating with the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at 740-351-1091.
Investigation ongoing
The probe remains active, according to WSYX. Officials say more details will be released as they become available and emphasize that, because a minor is involved, evidence and communications in the case are being handled with extra care while the investigation continues.
