CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A multi-agency undercover operation conducted earlier this month resulted in multiple arrests and the prevention of potential child sexual exploitation in Ross County, according to a press release issued by the Ross County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The operation took place during the week of January 5, 2026, and involved coordination between the Ross County Prosecutor’s Office, Ross County Sheriff’s Office, Chillicothe Police Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, U.S. 23 Major Crimes Task Force, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), and the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
Authorities say the undercover effort was designed to prevent the sexual exploitation and potential trafficking of children. Ross County Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Chase Carter and Kelsey Reno worked closely with investigators throughout the operation, providing legal guidance and oversight.
As a result of the investigation, several individuals were arrested and charged:
- Stephen Case, 52, of Hillsboro, was charged with attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Sura Rai, 36, of Canal Winchester, was charged with attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Brett Barnhart, 40, of Chillicothe, was charged with corrupting another with drugs.
- Jeffrey Noble, 41, of Frankfort, was charged with compelling prostitution and attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Nicholas Chabot, 38, of Hilliard, was charged with attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
- Brandon Bennett, 38, of Chillicothe, was charged with compelling prostitution, attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, and identity fraud.
During the course of the operation, Andrew Howard of Chillicothe was initially taken into custody on suspicion of similar offenses. Investigators later determined Howard was a victim of identity theft and that another individual had cloned and used his social media information. Howard has since been cleared of any wrongdoing, and authorities report the suspect responsible for the identity misuse was taken into custody and charged.
The investigation remains ongoing. Officials say digital evidence seized during the arrests is still being analyzed, and additional charges or arrests could be forthcoming as the review continues.
Ross County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey C. Marks praised the collaborative effort, thanking the agencies and individuals involved for their commitment to protecting children and combating crimes of sexual exploitation in the community.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
