He pleaded guilty Thursday to a bill of information charging him with 10 counts of rape and six counts of gross sexual imposition, between May 1, 2016, and April 12, 2017
Two of the victims told an adult about the abuse.
As a result of the investigation, five additional victims were identified, according to a media release. All of the victims are females between the ages of three and seven.
At the time of his arrest, Case was a volunteer firefighter.
"My agents spoke with many parents who felt reassured by that fact that a firefighter lived at the in-home daycare, but this defendant was truly a predator in disguise," DeWine said in a release. "Our big concern right now is that he may have victimized even more children over the years, and we encourage anyone with additional information on potential victims to contact law enforcement."
"Due to the heinous nature of these crimes and the age of the victims involved, my office wanted to bring justice to this situation as swiftly as possible," said Gallia County Prosecuting Attorney Jason D. Holdren in a release. "These victims are young children, some of whom still do not have the ability to truly voice what they have experienced. Our goal is to bring an end to this sexual violence and assist in helping these victims and their families begin the long process of healing. If you have been, or suspect your child has been, victimized by Matthew Case, you may contact my office for support services and counseling referrals."
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The investigation is ongoing, and anyone who believes their child may have had inappropriate contact with Matthew Case is urged to call the Gallia County Prosecutor's Office at 740-446-0018.
Case will be sentenced May 25.
Each count of rape carries a penalty of 15 years to life in prison.
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