Conneaut councilman faces 26 charges for allegedly sexually assaulting teens ages 13 to 17

ASHTABULA COUNTY, OH (WOIO) - A Conneaut councilman is facing 26 counts for sex-related crimes after being accused of sexually assaulting multiple teenagers between 1997 and 2005.

According to Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, 63-year-old Phillip Garcia was indicted on Tuesday and charged with:

• 5 felony counts of rape
• 15 felony counts of compelling prostitution
• 2 felony counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
• 4 felony counts of corruption of a minor

The Ashtabula County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation into Garcia's behavior after one of the alleged victims came forward in June.

"We do have concerns that there could be additional victims who have not yet been identified,  and we urge anyone with information pertinent to the investigation to come forward," says Attorney General DeWine.

The charges relate to five teens who were between the ages of 13 to 17 at the time of the alleged crimes. Four of the victims were employees of Garcia's catering business.

City officials have not responded to the accusations against Garcia.

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