Ohio man indicted on 21 felony charges for alleged abuse against minors spanning decades

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ATHENS, Ohio – Robert J. Collins, 62, of Glouster, Ohio, appeared in Athens County Court of Common Pleas on Tuesday on a 21-count indictment alleging a series of sexual crimes involving minors over nearly four decades.

The charges against Collins include five counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of corrupting another with drugs, three counts of attempted corrupting another with drugs, three counts of gross sexual imposition, two counts of attempted gross sexual imposition, two counts of intimidation of an attorney, victim or witness in a criminal case, one count of tampering with evidence, one count of illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, and one count of menacing by stalking.

Authorities allege Collins engaged in sexual conduct with at least six known minors, both male and female, beginning in 1985 and continuing until October 2024. Investigators say Collins used alcohol, marijuana, and gifts to lure his victims before coercing them into sexual acts, later silencing them with threats or monetary payments.

Collins, who has two prior convictions for similar offenses, was previously imprisoned in 1987 and 1994 for crimes including rape, gross sexual imposition, and weapons violations. The current investigation began earlier this year after multiple individuals came forward with allegations.

Judge Patrick J. Lang denied bond for Collins during his November 5 arraignment. A no bond hearing is scheduled for November 13, while Collins remains in custody at Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.