Vinton County grand jury issues indictments in child abuse cases

A grand jury in Vinton County, Ohio, has issued indictments in three separate criminal investigations involving child sexual abuse and endangerment.

In one investigation, Josh Saunders, 23, was indicted on three counts of rape and one count of gross sexual imposition. Brandon Henderson Sr., 40, faces 21 charges, including multiple counts of endangering children, gross sexual imposition, and sexual battery. Both men were arrested by the Vinton and Ross County Sheriff’s Offices and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).

A second investigation, which began in March 2026, led to indictments against Gary Siders Jr. and Elizabeth Siders. They each face two counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor and two counts of sexual battery. This case originated from a May investigation that led authorities to a residence in Hamden, where they discovered 16 children living in deplorable and unsanitary conditions.

Additionally, Gary Siders Sr. and Christina Siders face various felony and misdemeanor counts of child endangerment. The adults involved in the Siders case are undergoing competency evaluations. The investigations were conducted by the Vinton County Sheriff’s Office and the BCI, with support from the Ohio Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Section.