On 28 Feb 2023 a complaint was made with the Detective Bureau, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, of a subject receiving unwanted and threatening snapchat messages.  Det. Lt. Smeeks was advised of the unwanted messages, from an unknown sender, stating they knew where their daughter was and he was going to “go **** her ***”.  Detectives, who are familiar with these individuals involved, noted that these girls are juveniles. 

On 28 Feb 2023 Detectives, with the assistance of the Southeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, located Joshua Hart, 306 Short Street, Apt. B, Marietta, Washington County, Ohio. Hart confessed to sending the messages regarding the threats, from his residence on Short Street, Pioneer Township.  Hart further admitted the messages were intended to be perceived as a threat. 

Joshua Dakota Hart, age 25, was placed under arrest and charged with telecommunications harassment and aggravated menacing.  Both charges are 1^st degree misdemeanors.  Hart was booked into the Washington County Jail where he appeared in Marietta Municipal Court on 1 Mar 2023, and remains incarcerated at this time.