Elyria, OH asked in Criminal Law, Sexual Harassment and Small Claims for Ohio

Q: In ohio the age of consent law is 16yd, if a 21+yd did anything sexual with the 16yd would it still be legal?

So I'm 23 matched with a girl on a dating app at first she said she was 23 we get off the app talked for a few days over the phone once said she was 16 then other time said she was 17 and 2 sexual was shared well a few hours ago "her father" called on the number we was texting on stating she just turned 16 and that this is illegal imma get you arrested because I know the sheriff's (which I work with Cleveland sheriff's and they told me it's legal before I even talked to this girl) but then he started saying how about this if you help me renovate my bathroom we can forget about this and don't have to go to court it will cost $1000 So now I'm thinking this "guy" just faked being a 23yd female on a dating app then says their 16 then sends me nude videos when I didnt ask for it then calls trying to get money and if I ignore him he'll go to the sheriff's to get me arrested and run my selfie to find me (kinda funny cause the selfie I sent doesnt show my eyes and isn't posted on social media

1 Lawyer Answer
Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: This is most likely a scam aimed at trying to scare you into giving them money. That said, while the age of consent in Ohio is 16, an adult who engages in a sexual relationship with a minor is taking big legal risks. First, any pornographic images of the minor are highly illegal child pornography. We're in a relationship is not a defense. Second, minors still have parents who have a right to place reasonable limits on their conduct. An adult engaged in a relationship with a minor whose parents are displeased could easily find himself charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor or interference with custody. Stick to 18+ for safety's sake.

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