NEWS RELEASE
February 23, 2023
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman states that Detective Jodi Conkel, who is part of the
Scioto County Prosecutor’s Special Victim Unit, received a call on Monday, February 20, 2023
from the Portsmouth Police Department. They advised Detective Conkel that they were contacted
by a social worker from Nationwide Children’s Hospital about a possible child abuse case.
The social worker from Nationwide Children’s Hospital advised that they had five-week-old twins
in their trauma unit which were transferred from Southern Ohio Medical Center. Scioto County
Sheriff’s Office Detectives responded to Nationwide Children’s Hospital where they were able to
meet and talk with the child abuse trauma team of doctors providing treatment to the twins.
Detectives were advised that one of the twins were taken to Southern Ohio Medical Center for a
possible broken arm. The hospital staff observed what appeared to be hemorrhages in both of the
twin’s eyes. This injury resulted in both babies being transferred to children’s hospital.
Detectives learned of multiple non-accidental injuries to both babies. These injuries include eye
hemorrhages, multiple broken bones in their legs and arms, multiple rib fractures, abrasions to the
face to include a black eye and bruising. As a result of these injuries Scioto County Children
Services were notified and responded to Children’s Hospital and removed custody from the parents.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated detectives spoke with family members and witnesses. Afterwards the
parents of the twins were brought to the Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 for
interviews. Both parents were charged for the injuries to these babies.
Arrested was Codi Alexander Ronald Allen, age 20, and SueAnn Carter, age 27, both of 1826
Kendall Ave. Apt. F Portsmouth, Ohio. Both have been charged with 2 counts of Felonious Assault,
a felony of the 2nd degree, 4 counts of Endangering Children, a felony of the 2nd degree, and 4 counts of Endangering Children, a felony of the 3rd degree. Both are being held on a $340,000.00 bond and appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Thursday, February 23, 2023.
Sheriff Thoroughman stated the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit is made
up of deputies from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office and officers of the Portsmouth Police
Department, which work jointly to investigate crimes against our most vulnerable victims.
This is still an ongoing investigation and anyone with information should contact Detective
Sergeant Jodi Conkel @ 740-351-1091
People of Scioto County need to dish out "street justice" to these 2 so called "parents"! And they both should be made to were they can't ever have any children again!
True POS's!