Catholic Foundation Executive arrested following ICAC Investigation

Published on October 01, 2026

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested a Catholic Foundation executive for online sexual abuse of a minor.

Following an extensive investigation, ICAC executed a search warrant at the home of Scott Richard Hartman, 49, on October 1, 2026, where he was taken into custody. 

The investigation began in April of 2026, after a teenage victim reported to school counselors that she had engaged in an online relationship with Hartman that included text messages and video calls involving video sex acts and the exchange of nude images and videos.   This relationship went on for six months before it was discovered.

Scott Hartman is the Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer of the Catholic Foundation, a charitable and investment foundation that supports Catholic causes throughout the 23-county Diocese of Columbus.

Analysis of the communication between the victim and Hartman revealed he attempted to meet the teenager in person for sex.  ICAC also discovered that Hartman convinced the victim to delete any evidence and attempted to hide the fact that she was a minor.

Due to the nature of their conversations, one or more of his alleged social media accounts were shut down and reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Hartman was taken into custody today without incident and confessed to the allegations.  Multiple electronic communication devices were seized as part of the investigation.

Hartman was initially charged with 2907.071(B) Grooming (M1), 2907.322(A)(5) Pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor (F4), and Pandering obscenity involving a minor (F4).

Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.