Catholic Foundation executive arrested in online sex abuse of minor investigation – WSYX

Catholic Foundation executive arrested in online sex abuse of minor investigation  WSYX

A Catholic Foundation executive has been arrested in Franklin County following an investigation into the online sexual abuse of a minor. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force confirmed the arrest of 49-year-old Scott Richard Hartman after executing a search warrant at his home on Wednesday. Authorities said Hartman confessed to the allegations after being taken into custody. The Catholic Foundation is a charitable and investment foundation that supports Catholic causes throughout the 23-county Diocese of Columbus. Hartman serves as the senior vice president and chief development officer for the organization. Investigators said the case began in April when a teenage victim reported that she had engaged in an online relationship with Hartman to school counselors.

Authorities said the relationship between the student and the suspect included text messages and video calls with video sex acts, along with the exchange of nude images and videos. The relationship continued for six months before it was discovered. Communications between the juvenile victim and Hartman showed he attempted to meet the teenager in person for sex. He also convinced the victim to delete evidence and attempted to hide the fact that she was a minor according to the sheriff's office. Investigators said one or more of Hartman’s alleged social media accounts were shut down and reported to the National