SCIOTO COUNTY, OH (WOWK) – A man is facing charges for the rape of a minor in Scioto County.

According to Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman, Scioto County Children Services contacted deputies Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, after receiving information that a child had been sexually assaulted.

During the investigation, detectives learned the victim would have been 8-years-old at the time the alleged assaults took place. Detectives say they learned “several small children” were living in a residence connected to the case.

According to sheriff’s office, detectives and CPS went to a home in Lucasville where they arrested the suspect, John W. Smith, 40, of Lucasville, without incident. Detectives said they also found a woman inside the home who had a protection order against Smith.

Smith was arrested and charged with two counts 1st degree rape and one count of violation of a protection order. He was also served a warrant for failing to appear at a diversion hearing.

Thoroughman says this is still an ongoing investigation that could involve more victims and additional charges.

Anyone with more information in this case should contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at (740)-351-1091.