GLASGOW, Ky. — A 42-year-old Ohio man has been returned to Barren County following an investigation into allegations of illegal sexual activity involving a juvenile, according to the Barren County Sheriff’s Office.

Matthew David Campbell of Amelia, Ohio, was taken into custody Sept. 4 in Ohio by the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office after Barren County detectives obtained an arrest warrant Sept. 3.

Campbell was transported from Ohio to Barren County on Friday to face charges stemming from the investigation.

According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation began in early August after a concerned mother reported information about an adult male who allegedly traveled to Barren County and engaged in illegal sexual activity involving her juvenile child.

Detectives identified Campbell as the suspect and determined he allegedly traveled to Barren County multiple times between May and July 2026.

Investigators also determined Campbell and the juvenile initially met through an online platform, according to the sheriff’s office.

Campbell is charged with:

• Two counts of Unlawful Transaction with a Minor, 1st Degree
• Procuring or Promoting the Performance of a Minor by Use of Electronic Means
• Promoting a Minor in a Sexual Performance
• Unlawful Transaction with a Minor, 2nd Degree
• Sodomy, 2nd Degree

The sheriff’s office thanked the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office for assisting with locating and arresting Campbell.

Sheriff’s office urges online safety

The sheriff’s office is using the case to remind parents and guardians to monitor children’s online activity and maintain open communication about internet safety.

Officials said children and teenagers can encounter adults attempting to establish inappropriate relationships through social media, messaging apps, online games and other electronic platforms.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to know which applications and platforms their children use and to take suspicious or concerning communications seriously.

The sheriff’s office also encouraged parents to talk with children about recognizing inappropriate behavior and reporting anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The bottom line

The Barren County Sheriff’s Office says a report from a concerned mother led to an investigation that identified an Ohio man who investigators allege traveled to Barren County multiple times and engaged in illegal sexual activity involving a juvenile. Campbell has been returned to Barren County to face six charges.