GREENFIELD, Ohio — A 36-year-old Chillicothe man with extensive ties to local fire, emergency medical services, and juvenile detention facilities has been charged following an undercover law enforcement operation in Highland County [cite: A Chillicothe man with publicly listed fire and EMS ties has been charged after an undercover investigation in Greenfield involving allegations of online communication with someone he believed was a juvenile., According to information provided to SCDN by someone who was in the courtroom during Freeman’s hearing, Nathan T. Freeman, 36, of Chillicothe, was arrested after an undercover operation involving Greenfield police and the Highland County Task Force., The case is drawing attention because Freeman publicly lists work and volunteer roles connected to fire, EMS, and community safety.].
Nathan T. Freeman was arrested by Greenfield police and the Highland County Task Force following a traffic stop in Greenfield [cite: According to information provided to SCDN by someone who was in the courtroom during Freeman’s hearing, Nathan T. Freeman, 36, of Chillicothe, was arrested after an undercover operation involving Greenfield police and the Highland County Task Force., Authorities reportedly took Freeman into custody following a traffic stop in Greenfield.]. Authorities reported no injuries or struggle during the arrest.
Allegations and Charges
Investigators allege Freeman engaged in online communications with an undercover law enforcement officer whom he believed was a 15-year-old minor.
Court records indicate Freeman faces three criminal charges:
- Importuning (Felony)
- Disseminating Matter Harmful to Juveniles (Two Counts)
During his initial court appearance, Freeman entered a plea of not guilty. He was released on a signature bond fitted with electronic GPS monitoring. A preliminary probable cause hearing has been set for August 24, 2026.
Prominent Community Ties
The arrest has drawn significant public attention due to Freeman’s widespread involvement in regional emergency response and community safety organizations.
Public records and social media profiles list Freeman’s affiliations as including:
- Fire & EMS Services: Firefighter/paramedic affiliations with the Scioto Township Fire Department, the Ross County Fire Association, and managing EMS coverage for the Ross County Fair [cite: A social media profile under Freeman’s name lists him as a firefighter/paramedic with Scioto Township Fire Department and a former firefighter/EMT with the same department., Information provided to SCDN also indicates Freeman has been connected to the Ross County Fire Association, Chillicothe fireworks operations, and EMS coverage for the Ross County Fair., He’s also, reportedly, the county coroner’s deputy investigator and oversees the county fair’s EMS coverage.].
- Public Office: Deputy investigator for the Ross County Coroner’s Office.
- Youth Work: Former youth leader at the South Central Ohio Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
Local law enforcement agencies, the Greenfield Police Department, and court officials are processing additional public record requests regarding formal charging documents, agency affiliations, and detailed investigative reports.
All charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
