BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO – Detectives with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit have arrested three individuals in connection with two separate investigations involving allegations of Pandering Obscenities Involving a Minor. The investigations originated from cyber tips received through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and involved the execution of search warrants, digital forensic examinations, and coordination with local law enforcement agencies.
Case #1- On June 18, 2026, Detectives arrested Michael Stiles, 21, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, and Hayley Lovell, 19, of Martins Ferry, Ohio, following an investigation into allegations involving child sexual abuse material.
As a result of the investigation, both Stiles and Lovell were charged with:
• Pandering Obscenities Involving a Minor, a Felony of the Second Degree
The Martins Ferry Police Department and Bridgeport Police Department assisted the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office during the investigation and arrest operation.
Case #2- In a separate and unrelated investigation, Detectives arrested William Burwell, 36, of Martins Ferry, Ohio. The investigation also originated from a cyber tip and involved the forensic examination of electronic devices and other evidence obtained through the investigative process.
Burwell was charged with:
• Pandering Obscenities Involving a Minor, a Felony of the Second Degree
Sheriff James Zusack stated:
“The exploitation of children remains one of the most serious crimes investigated by our office. These cases require extensive digital forensic analysis, coordination with our law enforcement partners, and a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. We will continue to aggressively investigate these offenses and pursue those responsible.”
The Belmont County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Martins Ferry Police Department and the Bridgeport Police Department for their assistance during these investigations.
