COLUMBUS (OH)
WSYX-TV, ABC-6 [Columbus OH]
October 1, 2026
By Brea Spencer
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A Catholic Foundation executive has been arrested in Franklin County following an investigation into the online sexual abuse of a minor.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force confirmed the arrest of 49-year-old Scott Richard Hartman after executing a search warrant at his home on Wednesday.
Authorities said Hartman confessed to the allegations after being taken into custody.
The Catholic Foundation is a charitable and investment foundation that supports Catholic causes throughout the 23-county Diocese of Columbus. Hartman serves as the senior vice president and chief development officer for the organization.
Investigators said the case began in April when a teenage victim reported that she had engaged in an online relationship with Hartman to school counselors. Authorities said the relationship between the student and the suspect included text messages and video calls with video sex acts, along with the exchange of nude images and videos.
The relationship continued for six months before it was discovered.
Communications between the juvenile victim and Hartman showed he attempted to meet the teenager in person for sex. He also convinced the victim to delete evidence and attempted to hide the fact that she was a minor according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators said one or more of Hartman’s alleged social media accounts were shut down and reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Hartman has been charged with grooming, pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and pandering obscenity involving a minor. Authorities say additional charges may follow.
The Diocese of Columbus shared the following statement:
On Thursday, October 1, 2026, Scott Hartman, a former employee of The Catholic Foundation, was arrested on charges regarding inappropriate conduct with a minor. Hartman’s position with the foundation immediately terminated. The Catholic Foundation takes the allegations seriously and is working in full cooperation with law enforcement. The Catholic Foundation, a foundation of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus, holds its employees to a high standard of conduct with regular and thorough background verification processes. Any violation, whether alleged or credible, is met with a swift response.