Athens County Prosecutor

Indictment of Anthony Edward Bokar
Athens, Ohio – On February 12, 2026, Anthony Edward Bokar, 21, of Columbus, was arrested, at Pickerington Central High School by Athens County Sheriff Deputies with the assistance of the Pickerington Police Department, on charges related to Tampering with Evidence, Unlawful Sexual Conduct of a Minor, and Corruption of Another with Drugs for alleged conduct that took place in Nelsonville, Ohio.
At his initial appearance the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office informed the court that reports of additional victims existed and were being investigated by the Prosecutor’s office and Sheriff’s office.
On Monday February 23, 2026, Anthony was indicted by the Athens County Grand Jury for:
Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor (F4)
Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor (F4)
Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a Minor (F4)
Corrupting Another with Drugs (F4)
Tampering with Evidence (F3)
Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (F2)
Illegal Use of Minor or Impaired Person in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance (F2)
Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (F2)
Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (F2)
Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (F2)
Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (F2)
Illegal Use of Minor or Impaired Person in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance (F2)
Illegal Use of Minor or Impaired Person in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance (F2)
Illegal Use of Minor or Impaired Person in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance (F2)
Illegal Use of Minor or Impaired Person in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance (F2)
Illegal Use of Minor or Impaired Person in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance (F2)
Illegal Use of Minor or Impaired Person in Nudity-Oriented Material or Performance (F2)
Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (F2)
Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (F2)
Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (F2)
Pandering Sexually-Oriented Matter Involving a Minor or Impaired Person (F2)

Bokar was arraigned on Monday February 23, 2026, and his $500,000.00 bond was continued. He is scheduled for a Jury Trial on May 19, 2026.

Law enforcement has identified multiple victims in several Ohio Counties including Athens, Franklin, and Coshocton County. The case remains under investigation. Anyone who may have information please contact the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office at 740-592-3208

This case was investigated by the Athens County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office.

Holdren Sentenced to Maximum Prison Term for Aggravated Possession of Drugs ---

Athens, Ohio – On October 15, 2025, Athens County Common Pleas Judge Patrick Lang sentenced Matthew Holdren to the maximum sentence of 36 months in prison following his conviction for Aggravated Possession of Drugs, a felony of the third degree.

Holdren was convicted after a two-day jury trial. The charges stem from a November 2024 incident at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. On November 12, 2024, Holdren was booked into the jail and underwent a body scan, which raised concerns of possible contraband. He was immediately placed on dry cell status. Two days later, on November 14, a strip search revealed a plastic bag which was removed from Holdren’s re**um. That bag contained a crystal-like substance. Additionally, a toilet paper roll fell out of Holdren’s pant leg that was found to contain more of the same crystal-like material. The substances were later confirmed to be methamphetamine, in an amount over 3 grams.

In addition to the prison sentence, Holdren was ordered to pay a mandatory $5,000 fine and court costs, both due within five years.

Assistant Prosecutor Ashley Johnson and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Elizabeth Pepper led the prosecution on behalf of the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office.

“This sentence reflects our continued efforts to stop the introduction of dangerous drugs into our community and our jail system,” said Athens County Prosecutor Keller J. Blackburn. “We are grateful for the work of Ashley, Liz, and the team at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail who ensured that Mr. Holdren was held accountable.”

The case was investigated with the cooperation of staff at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail and the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office.