LOGAN, OH – A single-vehicle crash in Hocking County has led to the arrest of a man now facing serious felony charges after deputies discovered a missing juvenile passenger during the investigation.
According to the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded in the early morning hours of April 5, 2026, to a crash along U.S. Route 33.
Suspicion Arises at Crash Scene
Upon arrival, deputies identified the driver as Virgil E. Larson Jr., 45, of Fairfield County. He was accompanied by a female passenger. During the initial investigation, deputies became suspicious of the circumstances surrounding the crash and began further questioning.
Authorities soon determined the passenger was a 12-year-old girl who had been reported missing from North Carolina just hours earlier. Deputies contacted the juvenile’s parents, who confirmed the missing person report.
Alleged Luring Through Social Media
Investigators believe Larson used social media to lure the victim by posing as someone closer to her age. According to Sheriff Lanny E. North, Larson allegedly created a false identity online and convinced the girl to leave with him under false pretenses.
Officials say Larson, who does not have a valid operator’s license, had his father transport the juvenile under the guise of taking her to a safe location.
Arrest and Charges
Following the investigation at the scene, Larson was taken into custody. He is currently being held at the Southeast Ohio Regional Jail on the following charges:
- Kidnapping, a first-degree felony
- Resisting arrest, a second-degree misdemeanor
Both Larson and the juvenile were transported to area hospitals for evaluation before his booking.
Multi-State Investigation Ongoing
The case remains under active investigation, with coordination between multiple agencies, including law enforcement in North Carolina and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Officials say additional details may be released as the investigation continues.
