Ohio’s new child grooming law, signed into effect on April 9, 2025, reportedly makes grooming children for sexual abuse a criminal offense. Governor Mike DeWine’s signing of House Bill 322 in January represents a significant step in safeguarding minors from exploitation, especially in light of tragic cases such as that of Father Geoff Drew, a former priest and music minister said to have been convicted of sexual abuse.
The law criminalizes “a pattern of conduct” by individuals 18 years or older who are said to engage in actions to entice or solicit minors under 16 for sexual activities. It addresses behaviors like grooming, which were previously difficult to prosecute in Ohio. This legislation is reportedly aligned with states like Vermont and Illinois, which have already enacted similar laws to combat child sexual abuse.
The Case That Sparked Change
The bill was co-sponsored by two local Republican state representatives after the case of Father Geoff Drew, who was allegedly convicted of repeatedly raping a young boy in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Drew, who served as a priest with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, was not prosecuted for allegedly grooming other victims in Ohio due to the absence of a specific law until this change was made. He was sentenced to prison, with his release set for August 2026 after serving time for his crimes.
In a move to ensure accountability, Drew is said to be required to register as a Tier III sex offender upon his release. He attempted to lower his status, which would have removed notifications to local communities, but his request was denied by the court in March 2025.
Advocates and Survivors Celebrate
The new law is said to have come after years of advocacy from child protection groups and survivors like Paul Neyer, who allegedly was a victim of Drew’s abuse. Neyer, now a father of four, has reportedly worked tirelessly to push for the law and spoke before the Ohio Senate about the need for reforms to the state’s child sexual abuse laws. “Those who endure evil, those who perpetrate or enable evil, and those who stand up to and stop it,” Neyer reportedly said during his testimony, urging lawmakers to take action.
While this new law is a crucial step, advocates like Rebecca Surendorff, co-founder of Ohioans for Child Protection, highlight that Ohio is said to still need to reform its statute of limitations on child rape to ensure further justice for victims.
The Ongoing Need for Reform
Though the new grooming law has been celebrated as a victory for child protection in Ohio, there is reportedly still significant work to be done. Ohio is said to remain one of the few states without comprehensive reform to its statute of limitations for child rape, leaving many victims potentially unable to pursue justice for crimes allegedly committed years ago.
For Ohioans, this new law represents a critical shift in how the state will handle cases of child sexual abuse and grooming. However, as the work continues, advocates stress that more is needed to ensure the safety and protection of children across the state.
If you or someone you know has allegedly been affected by child grooming or sexual abuse, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. Helping Survivors can connect you to experienced legal professionals and offer the support you need to seek justice and healing.
