On 16 May 2023 the Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, after meeting with the Parkersburg Police Department Detectives, began an investigation into activity of a Belpre resident.  

On 18 May 2023 the Human Trafficking Task Force,  WCSO Detective Bureau, along with the Belpre Police Department executed a search warrant at 107 Colonial Square, Apt. F, Belpre, the residence of Robert Edward Gallagher.

During the search of Gallagher’s computer it was found that on 4/27/23 Gallagher downloaded 66 videos mostly consisting of prepubescent females being raped by adult men.  The names of these videos (PTHC-preteen hardcore) are extremely explicit regarding the content.  The PTCH videos are one type that Gallagher admitted to searching for.

Gallagher, age 39, was placed under arrest and charged with pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, a 2^nd degree felony.  Gallagher was transported to the Washington County Jail. 

Gallagher appeared in Marietta Municipal Court and is being held on $15,000 + PR bond.

The Southeastern Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force combats Human Trafficking under the Attorney General’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission.  The task force is led by Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks and includes the Marietta City Police Department, Marietta College Police Department, Washington County Prosecutor’s Office, Noble County Sheriff’s Office, Noble County Prosecutor’s Office, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Morgan County Prosecutor’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office, Athens County Sheriff’s Office, Athens Police Department, Athens County Prosecutor’s Office, Meigs County Sheriff’s Office, and the Meigs County Prosecutor’s Office.