News Release
February 15, 2023
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman states that on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, a female showed up at the Sheriff's Office with multiple injuries and covered in blood wanting to file a report.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that detectives obtained information and collected evidence while awaiting an ambulance. The victim reported that she was held against her will and was assaulted over a period of several hours by her estranged husband.
The victim reported that the suspect assaulted her multiple times with a taser. He then began to punch her in the face and kick her all over her body. She also reported that she was choked twice and received lacerations to her hands from a knife.
The victim, age 44, was taken to Southern Ohio Medical Center for treatment. The victim suffered bruising, lacerations, black eye, broken hand, and a dislocated shoulder from being assaulted.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that detectives and deputies responded to the reported incident location, 581 Twin Creek Road, Blue Creek, Ohio. They detained the suspect without incident and requested consent to search the residence, which was given.
Detectives recovered the taser and knife which were used in the assault.
Arrested was Matthew E. Sheppard, age 36, of 581 Twin Creek Road, Blue Creek, Ohio. Sheppard has been charged with 1 count of Felonious Assault, a felony of the 2nd degree, and 1 count of Kidnapping, a felony of the 1st degree. Sheppard is being held on a $120,000 bond and appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that this is still an ongoing investigation that could result in more charges being presented to the Scioto County Grand Jury on a later date.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel @ 740-351-1091.