NEWS RELEASE
July 18, 2022
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman states that his Office was contacted on Monday, July
18, 2022 by the Portsmouth Police Department and the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Special
Victim Unit reporting a sexual assault of a 5-year-old, which occurred in Portsmouth.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated that the 5-year-old victim was initially taken to Southern Ohio
Medical Center for treatment. She was then transferred to Adena Regional Medical Center, in
Pike County, continuing her treatment and a sexual assault examination.
Det. Sgt. Jodi Conkel, working jointly with the Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim Unit, started
an investigation. The investigation revealed witnesses living in the area of the incident, resulting
in the recovery of video from the incident location. Det. Sgt. Conkel was able to locate the
suspect at his residence, located at 1332 Park Ave. Portsmouth, Ohio. He was detained for
questioning without incident, resulting in his arrest.
Arrested was Cody Lee Taylor, age 18, of Portsmouth. Taylor has been charged with one count
of Rape, a felony of the 1st degree. Taylor is currently being held on a $100,000.00 bond and
will appear in Portsmouth Municipal Court this morning, Tuesday, July 19, 2022.
Sheriff David Thoroughman stated that quick arrest was the result of the Scioto County Sheriff’s
Office, Portsmouth Police Department, Adena Hospital, Portsmouth Metropolitan Housing
Security and the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit working jointly as
advocates for the victim.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel @ 740-351-1091.