Ohio Mom Gets Prison for Sex, Drugs, Weapons

(Bexley, Ohio) In August 2008, Becky Jo Tatum, 42, pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with a minor, drug possession and illegal gun possession.

Consequently, she was sentenced yesterday by Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Timothy S. Horton to five years in prison.

The Bexley house "cultivated an environment for perverse activity," the judge said.

It was a characterization that homeowner Becky Jo Tatum didn't deny.

The 42-year-old mother of two apologized for the environment and the crimes that ensued: having sex with her daughter's 14-year-old friend, having cocaine in the home and keeping a gun, which was illegal for someone previously convicted of drug and prostitution charges.

Tatum was also ordered to register as a sex offender, requiring her to check in with the sheriff's office twice a tear for 25 years.


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Ohio Mom Sought by Police for Sex Crime
[Previous 3/26/08 post]
(Bexley, Ohio) A 41-year-old local mother, Becky Jo Tatum, is being sought by police on a charge of unlawful sex with a minor. Be on the lookout for Tatum, described as a white female, six feet tall, 145 lbs.

Reportedly, during one of the regular parties Tatum threw for teenagers, she led a 14-year-old girl into the bedroom and engaged in oral sex.

The girl told police that Becky Jo Tatum "was acting very flirtatious with everyone" during a party at the woman's house in early March.

Tatum took her hand and led her to the master bedroom, where they had oral sex, court documents say. The girl was not forced to have sex and returned to the party afterward, she told police.

Warrants issued Friday charge Tatum, 41, with having unlawful sex with a minor. Her case will be presented to a grand jury and could lead to more charges.

Police have not been able to find Tatum.

It is also alleged that Tatum engaged in sex with one of her daughter's friends, a 17-year-old boy. No charges have been filed as yet.

Tatum is known to the police with a criminal history dating back to 1998. She has been convicted of various prostitution, drug and property crimes.

Also: Jawa Report


[Update 03/29/08]

Tatum apprehended.

Police said a phone call from an anonymous source led them to the southeast Columbus complex.

Detectives spotted the car that Tatum was said to have been driving and waited for her, [10TV's] Ludlow reported.

"We observed her coming out of the apartment and into her car," said Bexley police Det. Bob Cuschleg. "We kind of took her by surprise. She didn't see us approach, so she was a little dazed."

A reward of $2,000 from Crimestoppers was offered for information leading to her arrest. (Thanks SE)


[Update 04/10/08]

Tatum was indicted yesterday on charges of having sex with a 14-year-old girl, insurance fraud, cocaine possession and having a gun as a convicted felon.