Worthington creeper case reveals breach in Ohio laws

Worthington and many surrounding neighborhoods were blanketed in uneasiness when news broke of the man inviting children into his car. A wave of relief came when a suspect was arrested. That came to a screeching halt when the suspect, Jonathan Ringel, was let off the hook because “child enticement” charges are unconstitutional.

Luckily, police got Ringel on a fourth-degree felony count of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles but many, including Rep. Mike Duffey (R-Worthington), are still shaken up about the dropped enticement charges.

He believes this case illuminated a clear missing link in Ohio’s statutes. While he hasn’t come up with a bill or even exact verbiage, Duffey feels there should be some legal ramifications if someone with prior sexual offense convictions approaches a minor. Duffey also believes ramifications should be dealt out if a person who has no established relationship with a child tries to invite them somewhere.

He along with Rep. Bob Cupp (R-Lima) are working with the Franklin County Prosecutor to try to get the child enticement law revamped and back into effect.

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