Attorney for Middletown man charged in child porn case considering insanity plea

The attorney for a Middletown man accused of 20 counts of possessing pornography that involved a minor wants her client to be evaluated for competency, according to court records.

Jonathan Rothwell Jr., 37, of Middletown was arrested on March 14 and faces charges on 20 counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor in Butler County Common Pleas Court. All charges are fourth-degree felonies, each with a prison term of up to 18 months.

All the charges are related to an offense on Jan. 22, according to court records.

Attorney Kara Blackney’s motion states that her client “is not guilty of the offense charged against by reason of insanity.” She also filed a motion for a competency hearing.

“Counsel has reason to believe that Mr. Rothwell may have a mental disease or defect that makes him unable to understand the wrongfulness of his acts at the time of his offense,” according to Blackney’s motion.

Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser said the charges only surround possession, adding there were no indications he manufactured any of the images.

Rothwell remains in the Butler County Jail on a 10% bond at $30,000. His next appearance in court has not been set, according to the county clerk’s office.

ExploreClick here for more stories by reporter Michael D. Pitman

In Other News

160 years ago today, Ohio mourned as Lincoln funeral train rolled...

U.S. Sen. Husted to open office in Middletown

2 new Butler County businesses to create dozens of new jobs, get tax...

Redevelopment of former woolen mill in Lindenwald could start this fall

Hamilton considers selling lots for new home construction pilot program

About the Author

Michael D. Pitman

Michael D. Pitman has been a reporter in southwest Ohio since 1999. He's covered local governments in Warren and Butler counties, as well as state and national issues. He currently covers the cities of Fairfield and Hamilton.