Federal Charges Filed Against Former Ohio Treatment Center CEO
Randall J. MacKendrick, the 59-year-old former CEO of Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents in St. Clairsville, faces federal child pornography and coercion charges following an investigation by federal and local authorities, WHIO reported. Federal officials announced the charges on Oct. 26, 2026, noting that MacKendrick is also a suspect in the May kidnapping and rape of a 14-year-old girl in Perry County.
Arrests and Investigations Across Ohio Counties
Law enforcement actions against MacKendrick spanned multiple jurisdictions beginning when North Ridgeville police officers posing as an underage girl began communicating with him. MacKendrick drove to a North Ridgeville park to meet the fictitious minor for sex and was arrested by police. Belmont County sheriff’s detectives subsequently searched his office, home, and electronic devices, recovering more than 30 images and eight videos depicting child sexual abuse.
Federal agents arrest former CEO of child & adolescent residential treatment center on federal child pornography, coercion chargeshttps://t.co/8tN5FXp01E@FBICincinnati pic.twitter.com/E4bFD6Z6LJ
While out on bond in September 2026, MacKendrick was re-arrested after state court authorities revoked his bond based on evidence that he had been texting a 17-year-old girl who resided at Fox Run during his tenure as CEO. In October 2026, the FBI identified MacKendrick as a suspect in the Perry County rape and kidnapping case after his DNA matched genetic material recovered from the victim. MacKendrick was arrested in West Virginia and transferred to the Southern District of Ohio, WHIO reported.
Fox Run Center Operations and State Oversight
Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents in St. Clairsville operates as a 100-bed residential treatment facility treating boys ages 5 to 12 and girls ages 12 to 17. The facility receives placements from parents, foster care agencies, and juvenile courts for children requiring treatment for complex behavioral and mental health needs. An investigation by The Marshall Project – Cleveland previously documented instances of staff-on-youth violence, medically unnecessary sedative injections, and long, painful physical holds by staff.
The Ohio Department of Behavioral is focused on keeping children safe,
Eric Wandersleben, a spokesman for the department, said. Wandersleben added that the department is in contact with new leadership at Fox Run, noted that the facility terminated MacKendrick in response to the allegations, and stated that the department considers the operational matter resolved regarding the facility’s current status. Fox Run maintains a license with the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health valid through March 30, 2027.
Potential Penalties and Court Proceedings
MacKendrick appeared in federal court in Columbus on Oct. 26, 2026, and is represented by the federal public defender’s office. Federal authorities charged him with possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, which carries a potential penalty of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, according to WHIO.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Case
What specific federal charges does Randall J. MacKendrick face?
Federal prosecutors charged MacKendrick with possession of child pornography and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, according to WHIO.
What facility did Randall J. MacKendrick manage?
MacKendrick served as the CEO of Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents, a residential treatment facility located in St. Clairsville, Ohio.
How is the state licensing agency responding to the facility?
The Ohio Department of Behavioral Health confirmed that Fox Run terminated MacKendrick and stated that the department considers the operational matter resolved while maintaining the facility’s license through March 30, 2027.