Ohio Man Arrested in Connection With ‘Heinous’ Sexual Assault of ‘Vulnerable’ Developmentally Disabled Boys

A man from Ohio allegedly sexually assaulted three developmentally disabled boys by manipulating their families and gaining access to them through deceitful means, according to prosecutors.

A Hamilton County grand jury indicted 34-year-old Michael Toney on seven total counts: two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, one count of gross sexual imposition and one count of importuning, according to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office.

Officials said Toney is accused of sexually assaulting three juvenile boys, all of whom are developmentally disabled.

Prosecutors claim the alleged incidents occurred between May 2021 and May 2023.

Toney would allegedly befriend the victims’ adult family members to gain access to his victims and then buy them gifts to gain their trust, authorities said.

In addition to statements from the victims, detectives claim they also discovered video evidence during the course of the investigation.

Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.

In a press release, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melisssa Power said, “It is absolutely appalling that someone could commit such heinous acts against vulnerable children. The courage of these victims coming forward not only ensures their safety, but also prevents this individual from doing this to any other child.”

If convicted, Toney faces a maximum of 36 years in prison. He is currently being held in the Hamilton County Justice Center.

Prosecutors believe there could be other victims connected with Toney and ask anyone with information about Toney to call Cincinnati police's Personal Crime Unit at (513) 352-3542.