Terry Davis, 63, of Russells Point, was charged with a felony count of pandering obscenity involving a minor Monday, May 26, following the Memorial Day parade in Lakeview.
Officers of the Washington Township Police Department received a report about 12:15 p.m. during the Lakeview Amvets Memorial Service relating to an individual taking photographs of children during the parade that they felt were inappropriate.
Officers of the Russells Point Police Department participating in the parade made initial contact with Davis after paradegoers complained about him taking pictures.
Upon making contact with the suspect, he admitted to officers that he did have photographs on his cell phone that were taken during the parade.
He gave consent for officers to conduct a search of his cell phone. Officers located photographs taken during the parade of children, as well as additional harmful photographs of children not affiliated with the parade.
Officers quickly took the defendant into custody and transported him to the Logan County Jail.
Davis has no affiliation to the Lakeview Amvets Post 39 and this investigation is ongoing, officers noted.
The suspect is listed as a registered Tier III sex offender who was convicted in August 1999 of rape involving a female juvenile, according to Ohio Attorney General’s Office records.
“We will work closely with the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure that any and all criminal charges that can be filed, are filed against Mr. Davis,” Washington Township Police Chief Michael Thompson said. “Officers will diligently work to identify any and all victims from today’s incident and contact will be made with victims.
“Today is a reminder for all of us that being diligent of our surroundings makes those around us safer. We can’t thank the quick actions of bystanders enough for bringing this situation to our attention. Because of them, we were able to apprehend and incarcerate a sick individual and protect our community from further incidents.”
