Liberty Township, OH — Authorities have arrested a Granville man following an undercover operation conducted by the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with the Ohio State Patrol.
Sheriff Alex Lape announced that the operation began in early October, involving an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old girl on various social media platforms. The investigation led to Joseph McCartney, 45, who initiated conversations and arranged to meet the undercover officer for sexual activity.
On October 24, 2024, McCartney arrived at Smeck Park in Baltimore, Ohio, around 9:30 AM, where he was taken into custody by deputies. He has been charged with one count of Importuning, a fifth-degree felony.
The Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau is actively investigating the case, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Sheriff Lape thanked the Ohio State Highway Patrol for their support in this operation. The sheriff’s office urges anyone with relevant information to contact them at 740-652-7911 or through the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office App.
