DeWine said he will hire 15 investigators to work in a new unit devoted to the problem.
The unit will tackle Internet sex crimes, assist local prosecuting attorneys and police and push a public awareness campaign.
DeWine said the Penn State allegations have put a national spotlight on child sex abuse, but “unthinkable crimes are happening every day” in Ohio.
He said this initiative has been in the works for two months, before the recent scandal.
"In Ohio alone there are currently 19,509 registered sex offenders," said the Ohio Attorney General.
"Of those nearly 20,000 sex offenders, 721 of them are not currently complying with the law in registering and reporting sex offenders in this state," DeWine said.
“This is just the beginning,” DeWine told reporters in a news conference. “We’re dead serious about this.”
About the Author