STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
An Ohio man has been returned to Barren County to face multiple charges after an investigation into alleged illegal sexual activity involving a juvenile, according to the Barren County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office says the investigation began in early August 2026 after a concerned mother reported information about an adult male who had allegedly traveled to Barren County and engaged in illegal sexual activity involving her juvenile child.
Detectives with the sheriff’s office conducted what they describe as an extensive investigation.
During that process, investigators identified the suspect as 42-year-old Matthew David Campbell of Amelia, Ohio.
Campbell allegedly traveled to Barren County on multiple occasions between May and July 2026 and engaged in illegal sexual activity involving the juvenile, according to a sheriff’s office press release.
The sheriff’s office says the investigation also found that Campbell and the juvenile initially met through an online platform.
As a result of the investigative work, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Campbell on Sept. 3, 2026.
Campbell was located and taken into custody in Ohio on Sept. 4, 2026, by the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office.
On Sept. 11, Campbell was transported from Ohio back to Barren County to answer for the charges.
According to the sheriff’s office, Campbell is charged with two counts of unlawful transaction with a minor, first degree, one count of unlawful transaction with a minor, second degree, procuring or promoting the performance of a minor by use of electronic means, promoting a minor in a sexual performance, and second-degree sodomy.
The sheriff’s office publicly thanked the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office for its help in finding and arresting Campbell.
In a public safety message, the sheriff’s office said this case highlights the importance of parents and guardians monitoring their children’s electronic devices and online activity.
Officials encourage parents and guardians to keep open communication with their children, know which apps and platforms they are using, and periodically review their online activity.
The sheriff’s office says any suspicious or inappropriate communication should be taken seriously and reported to law enforcement.
Investigators say the initial report from a concerned mother allowed law enforcement to begin an investigation that led to the suspect’s identification and arrest.
Officials add that reporting suspicious activity quickly can help protect children and possibly prevent further victimization, and they note the investigation remains ongoing.
Key Facts
– Barren County Sheriff’s Office says an Ohio man has been returned to face charges involving a juvenile
– Suspect identified as 42-year-old Matthew David Campbell of Amelia, Ohio
– Investigators allege Campbell traveled to Barren County multiple times between May and July 2026
– Case began after a concerned mother reported information to the Barren County Sheriff’s Office in early August 2026
– Charges include multiple counts of unlawful transaction with a minor, promoting a minor in a sexual performance, and second-degree sodomy
– Campbell was arrested in Ohio on Sept. 4, 2026, and returned to Barren County on Sept. 11, 2026
– Sheriff’s office urges parents to closely monitor children’s online activity and report suspicious behavior
– Officials say the investigation remains ongoing
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