Authorities in Cuyahoga County are putting renewed heat on the search for Harvey Jones, a 6-foot-3 man wanted in connection with an alleged sexual assault that investigators say took place in January 2015. Jones is accused of pulling a victim from a bedroom and raping them in a bathroom, and officials say he later failed to show up for a court date, which led to an active arrest warrant.
According to investigators, Jones faces two counts of rape and four counts of gross sexual imposition. He is described as weighing about 156 pounds and having a distinctive neck tattoo of a face with a mustache. Officials say he was last known to be staying in the 1900 block of Forest Dale Avenue in Cleveland, and they are asking the public to speak up if they know where he is.
What authorities say
According to Cleveland 19, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department recently featured Jones in its "Cuyahoga's Most Wanted" roundup after refreshing the case for public tips. The station reports that his criminal record stretches back to 2002 and includes prior allegations such as felonious assault and aggravated burglary. The sheriff's listing spells out the current charges and confirms that a warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court.
How to report tips
Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County is urging anyone with information about Jones to call its tip line at 216-252-7463. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward. The group's site explains that tips can be submitted by phone or online through its contact page and wanted listings.
Law enforcement is reminding residents not to try to locate or confront Jones on their own. Instead, they are asking people to pass along any information, photos, or video evidence directly to investigators.
Why older cases get new attention
The renewed public push comes as Ohio agencies continue to revisit older sexual assault investigations using forensic testing and specialized cold case teams. The Ohio Attorney General's Sexual Assault Kit Testing Initiative and coordinated task forces have produced DNA leads that led to arrests, according to the Ohio Attorney General.
Recent reporting by Cleveland 19 has also highlighted DNA matches and arrests in sexual assault cases more than a decade old. Together, these efforts illustrate why investigators regularly return to older files and why public tips still matter, even years after an alleged crime.
Legal notes
Under Ohio law, rape is defined in R.C. 2907.02 and is a felony offense. Gross sexual imposition is set out in R.C. 2907.05 and can be charged as a felony depending on the circumstances and the age of the victim. If a defendant is convicted, judges rely on Ohio's felony sentencing statutes to determine punishment.
Jones, like anyone named in an outstanding warrant, is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty in a court of law.
