BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Dustin Swartz, 28, of New Washington, appeared in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on Monday, where he pleaded guilty to five counts of sexually oriented crimes against children.
The investigation into Swartz’s activities began when his online communications with individuals sharing similar interests on a specific website raised red flags. The Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force took notice and subsequently contacted the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, prompting a search of Swartz’s home and leading to his arrest in January 2024.
Under a negotiated plea agreement, Swartz, represented by Marion attorney J.C. Ratliff, entered a guilty plea to five of the felony charges filed against him.
Crawford County Common Pleas Court Judge Sean Leuthold sentenced Swartz to the maximum prison term of 22 to 24.5 years. He will also receive credit for time already served in jail.
As part of his sentencing, Swartz is required to register as a Tier II sex offender, ensuring that law enforcement and the community are notified of his status.