Jesse Santos Appears in Ashland County Court for Bond Hearing on Multiple Charges Including Kidnapping and Child Endangerment

Jesse Santos Appears in Ashland County Court for Bond Hearing on Multiple Charges Including Kidnapping and Child Endangerment

 

February 25, 2025 | Ashland, Ohio – In a high-profile case that has captured local attention, Jesse Santos, 59, appeared before Ashland County Common Pleas Court Magistrate Emily Bates this morning for a bond hearing via video conference. Santos faces multiple charges stemming from alleged incidents that occurred between September 17 and September 18, 2024.

According to the website of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Jesse Santos is listed as a district pastor serving the Canton, Carrollton, Massillon Connections, and Wooster Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Neither Santos nor the church has issued an official public statement regarding the charges at this time. Church representatives have not responded to requests for comment.

Charges Detailed in Indictment

The indictment, filed by the Ashland County Grand Jury, outlines four charges against Santos:

    Count One: Kidnapping (First-Degree Felony)

    Santos is accused of forcibly removing or restraining the liberty of a minor, referred to in the indictment as M.T., for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. The charge is heightened due to the victim being under the age of 18.

    Count Two: Gross Sexual Imposition (Fourth-Degree Felony)

    The indictment alleges Santos had sexual contact with M.T., compelling submission through force or threat.

    Count Three: Sexual Imposition (Third-Degree Misdemeanor)

    Prosecutors claim that Santos, significantly older than the victim, engaged in sexual contact with the minor, who was between 13 and 16 years old.

    Count Four: Endangering Children (First-Degree Misdemeanor)

    Authorities allege that Santos, in a position of responsibility over M.T., created a substantial risk to her health and safety by violating his duty of care.

During the hearing, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Metcalf represented the State of Ohio, while Attorney Catherine Meehan stood as council for Santos. Santos waived the formal reading of the indictment and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Magistrate Bates set bond at $250,000, with options for a surety bond, a bond secured by real estate, or a cash deposit. Conditions for release include:

    Signing a personal recognizance agreement.

    Remaining within Ohio unless granted written permission by the court.

    Compliance with all state laws and court orders.

    Immediate enrollment in a court-monitored drug and alcohol testing program upon release.

    Abstaining from alcohol and all substances containing THC.

    Passive GPS monitoring with a mandatory deposit and monthly fees totaling approximately $97.50.

    A curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. at an approved residence.

    No contact with the victim, her family, or any minors.

Santos must cover his GPS monitoring expenses, including an initial $250 deposit and monthly payments, to avoid bond revocation.

A status conference is scheduled for April 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Judge’s chambers. The jury trial is set to begin on May 20, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., unless resolved or postponed.

The allegations have shocked the local community particularly given Santos’s role in working closely with families and minors through his pastoral duties. Santos remains in custody at the Ashland County Jail, pending bond arrangements.