Reynoldsburg Man Charged After 7-Year-Old Says She Was ‘Sold’ and Sexually Abused, Court Records Show

REYNOLDSBURG, OHIO — A 58-year-old man has been arrested after a 7-year-old girl told police she had been “sold” and sexually abused, according to court records reported by the Columbus Dispatch. The case has intensified calls for stronger child protection measures in Ohio.

Anonymous Tip Led to Arrest

On August 20, Reynoldsburg police received an anonymous tip alleging that a child had been given to a man living on Allegro Drive. Detectives later interviewed the girl, who said her mother had arranged for her to live with Daniel L. Sisk, 58.

Sisk now faces charges of gross sexual imposition, a third-degree felony, in Licking County Court of Common Pleas.

In their report, police noted the child described being abused and warned not to tell anyone. “She stated she was told things would ‘go wrong’ if she spoke about the abuse,” investigators wrote in the criminal complaint.

Court Records Detail Bond and Living Arrangements

At a hearing on August 22, Sisk’s bond was set at $2 million, according to court filings. He remains in custody at the Licking County Jail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 4.

Court documents reveal that a woman and three other children were living in the home with Sisk. One witness told police she believed he was a “father figure,” though she admitted it seemed unusual that the 7-year-old shared his bed.

During questioning, Sisk admitted that the child slept in his bed and that he bathed her, according to police.

Ohio’s Laws on Child Abuse Reporting

Under the Ohio Revised Code on mandatory reporting, teachers, doctors, and other professionals are legally required to report suspected child abuse immediately. Failure to do so can lead to criminal penalties.

Child advocates stress that community vigilance is equally critical. “These cases remind us that even one anonymous tip can save a child’s life,” a spokesperson for the Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force said following the arrest.

A Broader Child Safety Concern

This case has added urgency to Ohio’s ongoing fight against child exploitation. The Ohio Human Trafficking Commission reports that hundreds of children are flagged each year as being at risk of trafficking or abuse.

“Abuse often hides in plain sight,” said child welfare officials. “Adults may rationalize suspicious behavior, but it’s always better to speak up than to assume nothing is wrong.”

Resources for Families and Communities

Authorities encourage parents, neighbors, and educators to watch for signs of abuse — including sudden behavioral changes, secrecy about living arrangements, or adults restricting a child’s communication.

If you suspect abuse:

• Call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453
• Report online to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) via CyberTipline
• In Ohio, call 855-OH-CHILD for the state’s 24-hour child protection hotline

Investigation Continues

Police have not identified the girl’s mother, who is mentioned in the complaint but not named in court documents. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as details emerge.

“The safety of this child and her siblings is our top priority,” Reynoldsburg police said in a statement.

Ohio readers — do you believe stronger laws and faster community reporting can help prevent tragedies like this? Share your thoughts in the comments, and keep following ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com for continuing updates on crime and public safety.