CONVICTED OF 2 COUNTS OF FORCEFUL RAPE OF YOUNG GIRLS AND ONE COUNT OF PANDERING SEXUALLY ORIENTED MATTER INVOLVING A MINOR

Clermont County Prosecutor Mark J. Tekulve announces that yesterday, January 22, 2026 James Russell Blair was convicted of two counts of Rape against two young girls and Pandering Sexually Oriented Material for using his cell phone to record the sexual assaults of one of those girls. These child victims exhibited such bravery and strength throughout the investigation and court process.

Blair pled to an agreed 20 years in prison. When he is released, he will be on parole for 5 years. Additionally, he will have to register as a sex offender, every 90 days for the rest of his life.

The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office Detective Jason Swallen, now Lieutenant, and Detective Mike Green worked on these cases for several months gathering physical evidence and statements to provide to Assistant Prosecutor Christina Dattilo to secure this significant prison sentence. Sheriff Stratton and his Detectives are to be commended for their diligence in holding this vile child predator accountable.

“We are grateful these girls came forward and we were able to ensure this monster will be locked up for the next two decades where he will not be able to harm another child.”

– Mark J. Tekulve, Clermont County Prosecuting Attorney

 James Russell Blair

DOB: 5/09/1985

Mugshot courtesy of the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office

TIER III SEX OFFENDER LIFETIME SEX OFFENDER REGISTRANT