Disturbing Allegations: The Criminal Cases Against Roger Mincey and Ashley Lenhart in Lorain County

By Investigative Staff Published: November 4, 2025

In the quiet streets of Elyria, Ohio, a series of grave accusations has thrust two individuals into the spotlight of Lorain County’s criminal justice system. Roger N. Mincey, now 40, and Ashley Lenhart, 35, both residents of the same Fifth Street address, face multiple indictments involving heinous sexual crimes against minors. These cases, spanning from 2020 to the present, highlight allegations of rape, child endangerment, and complicity in offenses that have shocked the local community. Drawing from court records and news reports, this article provides a comprehensive summary of their criminal backgrounds, focusing on the sexual crime-related cases, while noting that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Early Charges and the 2021 Indictments

The couple’s legal troubles began surfacing in 2020, though not initially tied to sexual offenses. Roger Mincey was indicted in October 2020 (Case No. 20CR103233) on non-sexual charges, including improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle (felonies of the fourth and fifth degrees) and operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) by alcohol or drugs (first-degree misdemeanors). He was arrested in November 2020, posted bond, and entered a not guilty plea. The case involved multiple pretrial continuances and speedy trial waivers, with a jury trial scheduled for October 19, 2021, consolidated with his later sexual crimes case. As of the last docket entry in April 2021, it remained ongoing with no resolution noted.

The more severe allegations emerged in March 2021, when both Mincey and Lenhart were indicted in separate but related cases for sexual crimes against children. News reports at the time described the charges as involving the rape and molestation of minors.

For Roger N. Mincey (Case No. 21CR104005): Filed on March 4, 2021, the indictment included 13 counts: two counts of rape (first-degree felonies), multiple complicity charges (first-, third-, and fourth-degree felonies), pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor (second-degree felony), endangering children (second-degree felony and first-degree misdemeanor), gross sexual imposition (third-degree felony), compelling prostitution (third-degree felony), and attempted pandering obscenity (fifth-degree felony). Mincey was arrested on March 7, 2021, and initially held on a $100,000 bond, later reduced to $10,000 with a no-contact order regarding the alleged victims (minors identified by initials ML and ZM). He pleaded not guilty at arraignment. The docket shows extensive discovery exchanges, speedy trial waivers, and pretrial continuances at the defendant’s request. A jury trial was set for October 19, 2021, but no further updates appear in public records beyond May 2021, suggesting possible resolution, dismissal, or consolidation with later cases.

For Ashley Lenhart (Case No. 21CR104006): Also filed on March 4, 2021, Lenhart faced 10 counts: two counts of rape (first-degree felonies), complicity (first- and third-degree felonies), endangering children (fifth-degree felony and first-degree misdemeanor), two counts of sexual battery (third-degree felonies), and two counts of gross sexual imposition (fourth-degree felonies). She was arrested on March 10, 2021, with bond initially set at $100,000, reduced to $2,500 with similar no-contact conditions. Lenhart, deemed indigent, was appointed counsel and pleaded not guilty. The case involved discovery filings, speedy trial waivers, and continuances, with the last entry on August 6, 2021, noting a supplemental state discovery response. Like Mincey’s 2021 case, no public updates post-2021 indicate the status, potentially pointing to an unresolved or quietly handled matter.

These 2021 cases appear interconnected, with shared addresses, attorneys (Mincey with Michael Stepanik, Lenhart with J. Anthony Rich), and references to the same minor victims.

New Charges in 2024 and Ongoing Trial

In a disturbing escalation, Mincey and Lenhart were hit with new charges in January 2024, stemming from a secret grand jury indictment. The allegations mirrored the 2021 cases, involving the rape of a minor and related offenses.

For Roger N. Mincey (Case No. 24CR110392): Filed on January 25, 2024, this indictment expanded to 14 counts, adding an extra rape charge while retaining similar offenses: two counts of rape (first-degree felonies), complicity (various degrees), pandering sexually-oriented matter (second-degree felony), endangering children (second-degree felony and misdemeanor), gross sexual imposition, compelling prostitution, and attempted pandering obscenity. Mincey was arrested on January 26, 2024, and held on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond with DNA collection required. He pleaded not guilty on February 1, 2024. The docket reflects repeated speedy trial waivers and pretrial continuances at his request, with subpoenas issued for witnesses including police officers, child services workers, and victims. A jury trial was initially set for May 5, 2025, but as of the last entry on April 28, 2025, motions in limine and for continuance were filed, indicating delays.

Recent developments confirm the trial is underway. As of November 3, 2025, Mincey is on trial for the rape of his former girlfriend’s teenage relative, facing 13 felonies and one misdemeanor. Community discussions, including a April 2025 social media post, noted both Mincey and Lenhart in court for a multi-day trial on “grotesque” charges. No outcome has been reported yet, and searches for 2025 trial results yield no definitive resolutions, suggesting the proceedings are still active.

Notably, Lenhart’s involvement in the 2024 charges is referenced in news but not in a separate docket provided here. She may be charged jointly or separately, as initial reports tied her to the same indictment.

Broader Criminal Background and Community Impact

Beyond the sexual crimes, Mincey’s 2020 firearms and OVI case remains part of his record, though unrelated to the child abuse allegations. No additional criminal history for either individual appears in public searches, but the pattern of charges points to ongoing investigations into child exploitation in Lorain County.

Local news outlets like the Chronicle-Telegram have covered the cases extensively, emphasizing the severity and impact on victims. Community forums and social media reflect public outrage, with calls for justice amid the slow pace of trials due to continuances.

As these cases unfold, they underscore the challenges in prosecuting sensitive crimes involving minors. Updates will be monitored as the trial progresses. For the latest court records, visit the Lorain County Common Pleas online dockets.