Minford man arrested for rape

NEWS RELEASE

January 29th, 2026

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman stated that his office was contacted on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, by a mother reporting that her 6-year-old child had reported being sexually assaulted.

Sheriff Thoroughman stated that a deputy responded and initiated an investigation. The initial investigation was forwarded to a detective for further investigation. The child was taken to Adena Medical Center in Chillicothe for treatment. The child was treated and released.

Sheriff Thoroughman advised that detectives were able to interview the suspect on Thursday January 29, 2026 at the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect was arrested afterwards.

Arrested was Jeffrey Lee Gilliand, age 67, of Minford, Ohio. Gilliland has been charged with seven (7) counts of rape, a felony of the 1 st degree. Gilliland is currently being held in the Scioto County Jail on a $700,000.00 bond. He will appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Friday, January 30, 2026.

This is still an ongoing investigation, anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant

Jodi Conkel @ 740-351-1091