Deters: Colerain Twp. man raped children, bought their silence with cash and gift cards
A Colerain Township man is accused of raping and sexually abused four children and often buying "their silence with money or gift cards," Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters said Monday.
Nicholas Howell, 36, is charged with 23 felonies including 11 counts of rape and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
Court documents state the offenses began in 2008 and continued until this year. Deters said some of the victims were under 10 at the time they were raped or abused.
"The incidents occurred in his residence in Colerain Township," Deters said. "After the sexual abuse, Howell would often buy their silence with money or gift cards."
He said the scope of the abuse came to light after one of the victims disclosed information to a trusted adult. The adult contacted Colerain Township police who launched an investigation.
"I have said it before and will say it again, it is hard to understand how someone takes advantage of children," Deter said. "My victim advocate and assistant prosecutor assigned to this case will do everything they can to help the victims through this difficult process and obtain the justice they deserve."
Howell faces multiple mandatory life sentences if convicted. He was arrested Sept. 9 and is being held at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a $375,000 bond awaiting trial.