MERCER COUNTY — A 44-year-old man learned how long he will be in prison after being convicted of dozens of child pornography and rape charges.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
This week, Johnathon Grove, 44, of Columbus, was sentenced to more than 100 years in prison, according to our media partner, WCSM.
Court documents indicate that a Mercer County jury convicted Grove of 41 child pornography and rape charges in July. Those include:
- 29 counts of illegal use of minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance
- 2 counts of importuning
- 5 counts of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles
- 1 count of rape
- 4 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
WCSM reported that the rape conviction involves a child under the age of 13 near the Fort Recovery area.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Man found guilty of shooting, killing security guard at local nightclub
- New discount grocery store to open in Preble County
- Police officers capture ‘colossal’ tortoise roaming through Ohio city
Prosecutors told WCSM that Grove’s relationship with the child started over social media in 2020.
If Grove is ever released from prison, he must register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
Mercer County Jail records show that Grove remains in the sheriff’s office custody.
[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2025 Cox Media Group
