Ohio man accused of harassing, threatening Caroline County juvenile online

CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A 25-year-old Ohio man has been arrested after authorities say he harassed and threatened a Caroline County juvenile online.

On Monday, March 24, the Caroline County Sheriff's Office extradited 25-year-old Troy Ward of Ravenna, Ohio, in connection with the extortion, stalking and harassment of a Caroline juvenile.

According to the sheriff's office, Ward is accused of subjecting that juvenile to "severe and persistent harassment" online, "resulting in significant safety concerns."

The allegations Ward faces include that he first befriended the juvenile, then used that friendship to exploit them.

"Investigator Notgrass reviewed hundreds of troubling messages where the suspect is accused of making various threats to the juvenile and their family's safety if his demands were not met," the sheriff's office said in a social post. "The suspect, who had never met the juvenile in person, allegedly used images of the juvenile's home obtained from a real estate website in a disturbing attempt to instill fear and intimidate the juvenile."

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The sheriff's office collaborated with authorities in Ohio to gather evidence in this investigation. During this time, it reportedly learned that there may have been at least one other victim.

Ward's charges include two counts of extortion, two counts of stalking and two counts of computer harassment. He is being held in Pamunkey Regional Jail pending his next court appearance.

"This incident is a stark reminder of the persistent threats our youth face in the digital world. It underscores the need for continual vigilance in monitoring digital communications," said Caroline County Sheriff C. Scott Moser. "We urge the community, especially guardians of young children, to remain alert and to report any suspicious activities to the CCSO. Together, we can protect our youth from such exploitation and ensure a safer digital environment for all."