NEWARK, Ohio (AVC News) — David A. Slaughter was found guilty of seven sex crimes involving a minor following a two-day jury trial that concluded Sept. 30, 2026.
Slaughter was convicted of one count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a fourth-degree felony, and six counts of sexual battery, third-degree felonies. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.
The case stemmed from a report referred by the Frazeysburg Police Department to the Newark Division of Police on July 2, 2024, alleging that an adult man had engaged in sexual conduct with a juvenile female.
According to the prosecution, the victim told investigators during an interview at Kids’ Place that Slaughter, who lived in her home and acted in a caregiving role, had sexually abused her repeatedly between January and June 2024. The alleged abuse began when she was 15 at a home in Newark and continued after the household moved to Frazeysburg.
Newark police Detective Scalmato led the investigation. Detectives searched the home with consent and collected evidence.
During an interview with detectives, Slaughter initially denied the allegations but later acknowledged he may have had sexual contact with the victim several times between February and June 2024. He claimed the victim had initiated the contact.
The case was tried by Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation Task Force prosecutor Cynthia Ellison and Assistant Prosecutor Allison Ortega.
Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by AVC News
