A Cincinnati man has been charged with two counts of rape and several other felonies after he was accused of grooming and sexually assaulting a young girl.
Joshua Telford, 35, has also been charged with unlawful sexual contact with a minor, pandering obscenity with a minor or intoxicated person, and sending damaging material to juveniles, all of which are crimes. He faces three counts of criminal child enticement and one count of grooming, all of which are misdemeanors.
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He is currently being held at the Lorain County Jail.
According to a news statement from the Elyria Police Department, the investigation of Telford began in January. A parent alerted police after discovering an inappropriate interaction between his 12-year-old daughter and Telford.
According to police, Telford initially contacted the girl when she was 11 years old and began grooming her. Police did not disclose the method of establishing the reported communication, but they cautioned parents about their children’s online conduct.
Telford is suspected of coming to Elyria in late 2025 and sexually assaulting a girl. The Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team of the United States Marshals captured him in Hamilton County on Wednesday.
Elyria detectives arrested Telford on Thursday and transferred him to the Lorain County Jail.
“The Elyria Police Department remains firmly committed to protecting children and aggressively investigating crimes involving the exploitation of minors,” the news release says. “We recognize the sensitivity of cases such as this and remain dedicated to supporting victims and their families while ensuring a thorough, professional, and compassionate investigation.
“We also encourage parents and guardians to remain vigilant regarding their children’s online activity and to promptly report any suspicious or concerning behavior to law enforcement.”
Anyone with additional information can reach Elyria detectives at 440-326-1212.
