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Sheriff: Potential 3rd victim comes forward after deputy accused of sending sexually explicit photos

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CINCINNATI -- Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil asked any victims who have received sexually explicit photos or videos from Deputy Josh Noel to come forward.

Neil said Thursday the deputy accused of sending explicit images of himself might have sent them to more than the original two victims.

“We don’t know how many victims are out there ... this type of behavior will not be tolerated by the sheriff's office,” Neil said.

Josh Noel

Noel, 25, is charged with two counts of telecommunications harassment, a first-degree misdemeanor. He's worked for the sheriff's office for four years, most recently as a patrol officer.

Chief Deputy Mark Schoonover said additional charges are "possible." 

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Noel pulled an 18-year-old woman over for a traffic stop on about Aug. 5, the sheriff's office said, then contacted her two days later. Chief of Staff Jim Knapp said Noel took her name from her driver’s license and contacted her through Facebook.

He didn't meet the other woman through his job as a deputy, the sheriff's office said.

Knapp said a third potential victim came forward with information Thursday morning after seeing news stories about Noel’s charges. It was not the result of a traffic stop; investigators believe he contacted the woman through social media.

Noel "was a fast riser," Neil said, and there were no previous issues in his records or files. 

The incidents are under criminal investigation, Neil said, and Noel is currently on administrative leave with pay.

Noel was booked into the Hamilton County Justice Center on Wednesday afternoon, and he is currently out on bond. 

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers at 513-352-3040.