SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio — A 71-year-old Minford man is behind bars on a $125,000 bond today after a young child called emergency services to report severe physical pain, leading deputies to uncover an alleged pattern of sexual assault.
According to Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman, the office’s 911 Communications Center received an urgent request for emergency medical services from the child at approximately 1:19 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Deputies rushed to the scene, where a preliminary evaluation determined that the child’s severe injuries were the direct result of a sexual assault. Detective bureaus were immediately activated to launch a formal criminal investigation, and the victim was transported to an out-of-town medical facility for specialized trauma treatment.
As the investigation rapidly progressed early Wednesday morning, detectives identified Estel Winn, 71, of Taylor Hill Road in Minford, as the suspect.
Deputies responded to Winn’s residence, where he was taken into custody without incident. Following an intensive interview at the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, Winn was formally charged with five counts of Rape of a Child Under the Age of 13, all first-degree felonies.
Winn is currently being held in the Scioto County Jail and is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Portsmouth Municipal Court later today.
Sheriff Thoroughman emphasized that the investigation is highly active and ongoing. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence, and additional criminal charges may be presented to an upcoming session of the Scioto County Grand Jury.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have additional information regarding this case or the suspect to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at (740) 351-1091. Sheriff Thoroughman assured the public that all callers can choose to remain completely anonymous.
