Preschool teacher, rape crisis counselor among 14 arrested in Ohio sex predator sting
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- A preschool teacher and a rape crisis counselor were among 14 people arrested in a sexual predator sting in Jackson Township, Ohio.
"Operation Unsportsmanlike Conduct" ran from Jan. 31 through Feb. 3.
One of the suspects, 38-year-old Jerry Roeal Ragsdale, was listed in a police report as a preschool teacher. The Canton man was charged with disseminating matter harmful to a juvenile, attempted unlawful sexual conduct, and importuning.
Another suspect, 48-year-old Cleveland Heights man Adam Eric Leidke, is a counselor at the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, according to police.
President & CEO Sondra Miller of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center released the following statement to WJW:
“Adam Leidtke was employed with Cleveland Rape Crisis Center from March 13, 2017 to May 17, 2018. Cleveland Rape Crisis Center has had no contact with him since his employment with the agency ended.
“Sexual violence is inexcusable whenever and wherever it happens. It’s especially inexcusable when perpetrated by someone who is a helper.”
The suspects, who ranged in age from 20 to 73, are from areas including Wooster, Newcomerstown, Canton, Cleveland, Barberton, Akron, Massillon, Cleveland Heights, Stow, North Canton, and Orrville.