Otway, OH – A 36-year-old man from Otway has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of rape following an investigation by the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Sheriff David Thoroughman, detectives were contacted on Saturday, January 31, 2026, after a mother reported that her 14-year-old child had disclosed being sexually assaulted. Deputies and detectives immediately responded to the residence and began investigating.
The sheriff stated that the investigation revealed the assaults had allegedly been occurring since the victim was 13 years old. Following an interview with the suspect, deputies placed him under arrest.
The suspect, identified as Derek Ray Stanley, 36, of Otway, has been charged with ten counts of rape, each a first-degree felony. Stanley is being held in the Scioto County Jail on a $1,000,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The case remains under investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Detective John Cart at 740-354-7327.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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