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MARTINS FERRY -- Fox Run CEO Randall Mackendrick was arrested over the weekend on multiple charges, including unlawful sexual contact with a minor.
Mackendrick was arrested early Saturday by the North Ridgeville Police Department on charges of importuning, defined as soliciting sexual activity; disseminating matter harmful to a juvenile; possessing criminal tools; and unlawful sexual contact with a minor.
Police Capt. Greg Petek said Mackendrick was arrested after a sting operation by the department's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
He added that the task force conducted an undercover operation to detect predators contacting underage children.
"He attempted to make arrangements to meet with a 14 year old female," Petek said. "During these conversations, he attempted to arrange a meeting for sexual activity."
He added that Mackendrick drove to Lorain County to meet for the sexual activities, which is roughly three hours away from Belmont County, where he was arrested.
Mackendrick was then held in Lorain County Jail on $125,000 bond, which he paid Monday.
He was scheduled for a preliminary hearing Tuesday, but it was rescheduled for Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. in Elyria Municipal Court.
Mackendrick has been with Fox Run since 2016.
Following Mackendrick's arrest, Fox Run Director of Referral and Community Partnerships Lora Boley released a statement confirming Mackendrick had been placed on administrative leave.
Boley stated the alleged crimes are a personal matter arising from conduct alleged to have occurred outside of Fox Run's facility. She said the alleged actions are not connected to any current or former patients and are currently under investigation by law enforcement.
“There is no indication that the allegations relate to patient care or facility operations. Patient safety and quality of care remain our highest priorities, and we will continue to take appropriate steps to ensure the facility operates in accordance with all applicable requirements,” Boley said.