Portsmouth Couple Arrested for Felonious Assault
- Scioto County Sheriff's Office

- Feb 23, 2023
- 2 min read
NEWS RELEASE
February 23, 2023
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman states that Detective Jodi Conkel, who is part of the
Scioto County Prosecutor’s Special Victim Unit, received a call on Monday, February 20, 2023
from the Portsmouth Police Department. They advised Detective Conkel that they were contacted
by a social worker from Nationwide Children’s Hospital about a possible child abuse case.
The social worker from Nationwide Children’s Hospital advised that they had five-week-old twins
in their trauma unit which were transferred from Southern Ohio Medical Center. Scioto County
Sheriff’s Office Detectives responded to Nationwide Children’s Hospital where they were able to
meet and talk with the child abuse trauma team of doctors providing treatment to the twins.
Detectives were advised that one of the twins were taken to Southern Ohio Medical Center for a
possible broken arm. The hospital staff observed what appeared to be hemorrhages in both of the
twin’s eyes. This injury resulted in both babies being transferred to children’s hospital.
Detectives learned of multiple non-accidental injuries to both babies. These injuries include eye
hemorrhages, multiple broken bones in their legs and arms, multiple rib fractures, abrasions to the
face to include a black eye and bruising. As a result of these injuries Scioto County Children
Services were notified and responded to Children’s Hospital and removed custody from the parents.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated detectives spoke with family members and witnesses. Afterwards the
parents of the twins were brought to the Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 for
interviews. Both parents were charged for the injuries to these babies.
Arrested was Codi Alexander Ronald Allen, age 20, and SueAnn Carter, age 27, both of 1826
Kendall Ave. Apt. F Portsmouth, Ohio. Both have been charged with 2 counts of Felonious Assault,
a felony of the 2nd degree, 4 counts of Endangering Children, a felony of the 2nd degree, and 4 counts of Endangering Children, a felony of the 3rd degree. Both are being held on a $340,000.00 bond and appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Thursday, February 23, 2023.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit is made
up of deputies from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office and officers of the Portsmouth Police
Department, which work jointly to investigate crimes against our most vulnerable victims.
This is still an ongoing investigation and anyone with information should contact Detective
Sergeant Jodi Conkel @ 740-351-1091







The five-week-old twins were rushed from Southern Ohio Medical Center to Nationwide Children's Hospital with hemorrhages and a possible broken arm, which is deeply disturbing. It's hard to comprehend the cruelty involved in harming such vulnerable infants. Law enforcement often uses various technologies to process evidence, and an ai vocal remover could be one of those tools for cleaning up audio recordings when relevant. This case relies more on medical testimony, but forensic innovation continues to evolve.
It's heartbreaking to learn that the five-week-old twins were admitted with hemorrhages and a possible broken arm. When working with video evidence from hospital or police recordings, I've found it helpful to use an srt to vtt converter for consistent formatting across different platforms. I hope the investigation leads to justice for these vulnerable infants.
It is absolutely devastating to read about such defenseless five-week-old twins enduring such horrific injuries, including broken bones and eye hemorrhages. It is a relief to know that the medical staff and the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office acted swiftly to remove them from that environment. While we process such heavy news, it’s important to find ways to channel our emotions constructively, perhaps through community support or physical outlets like those found at Survival Race. I truly hope these innocent babies receive the lifelong care and love they deserve, and that the legal system ensures full accountability for these actions.
This couple's arrest makes me wonder if they'll become the next "Idols of Ash" in Portsmouth's local lore, given how small towns love to turn infamous incidents into neighborhood legends. It's always fascinating how communities remember their most notorious residents.
It's just heartbreaking that such tiny babies had to endure that many broken bones. I hope the hospital's trauma team can help them recover physically, and that they find a gemma 3 4b vcs 1b safe, loving home after this. Cases like this make you wonder what kind of support systems might have been missing for the parents, too.