Special News Release From Sheriff Larry Mincks

MARIETTA, OH – According to Sheriff Larry R. Mincks, on 24 Jul 2021 the Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force began an investigation regarding James Sabolick of Lower Salem, Ohio.

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A Marietta City Police Department Patrolman attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 56-year-old James A. Sabolick while he was traveling southbound on Interstate 77 near milepost 1 on 24 Jul 2021.

The Patrolmen advised when he approached the vehicle, he observed what he thought was someone hiding in the back seat. Sabolick denied there being anyone in the back seat, however, the individual was eventually identified as a teenager from West Virginia. The Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force was advised and responded to the scene.

James Allison Sabolick, age 56, 7415 Germantown Road, Lower Salem, OH, was arrested, transported to the Washington County Jail, and charged with obstructing official business and improper signal.

At approximately 4:46 am the child was interviewed by investigators. The child advised she had snuck out of her residence approximately five times, maybe more, to have sex with Sabolick. The child advised that earlier in the evening Sabolick picked her up again and took her to a cabin in Washington County, Ohio. The child reported she had sexual intercourse with Sabolick, as well as other sexual acts.

Sabolick was transported to the Washington County Jail where he was advised of his Miranda Rights. Sabolick confirmed he “went down and got her”. Sabolick insisted everything he had done was consensual, and that he had taken and received nude photographs.

Charges of 2nd-degree felony pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, 5th-degree felony possession of criminal tools, and 5th-degree felony interference with custody/taking the child across state lines, were filed on Sabolick.

Sabolick remains incarcerated in the Washington County Jail pending his appearance in Marietta Municipal Court.

On 26 Jul 2021 Sabolick appeared in Marietta Municipal Court and is now being held on $51,000 + PR bond.

The Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force is part of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost Organized Crime Investigations Commission and is comprised of representatives of the Washington, Noble, Morgan, Monroe, Athens, and Meigs County Sheriff’s Offices, the Marietta and Athens City Police Departments, the Marietta College Police Department, the Washington, Noble, Morgan, Monroe, and Athens County Prosecutor’s Offices.

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This is a news release from the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Any opinions expressed are the author's own.

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