A former professor from a Midwest university, John Kent Tarwater, has been charged with multiple counts of rape and child sexual abuse. Tarwater, 55, was indicted last Friday (March 31) in Greene County, Ohio, on two counts of rape, three counts of sexual battery, and three counts of gross sexual imposition. The charges involve a victim who was between 10 and 12 years old at the time of the alleged offenses.
Tarwater, who was a professor at Cedarville University, was placed on administrative leave eight months ago and was subsequently dismissed from his position in October 2025. According to a statement from the university, the charges do not involve anyone he met or interacted with as a professor. The university emphasized transparency and the safety of its community.
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office reported that the investigation began in July 2025 after receiving a report of sexual abuse from a juvenile. The investigation spanned several months and involved multiple states. The sheriff’s office confirmed that the victim is not associated with Cedarville University.
Tarwater, who is the father of the victim, was arrested on March 31, 2026, and is currently being held in the Greene County Jail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday (April 2), with the prosecutor’s office planning to request a $1 million bail.
Tarwater’s academic background includes writings on Christian sexual ethics and business ethics. He was hired by Cedarville University in 2017 as an associate finance professor. The case remains under investigation, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Chris Sticka at 937-562-4812.
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