Man Accused of Making 2,623 Obscene Calls

Authorities arrested a man accused of making thousands of harassing and obscene calls to random cell phone numbers in at least eight counties.

James R. Hood, 43, was charged with one count of compelling prostitution, or offering money for sex. He posted bond and was released from the Coshocton County jail, the sheriff's office said Wednesday.

Hood was arrested earlier this week following a joint investigation by sheriff's deputies in Coshocton and Licking counties. Hood lives in the Licking County town of Granville, about 25 miles east of Columbus.

Hood's phone records show he made 2,623 calls in 20 days, "all basically obscene in nature," Coshocton County deputy Brent McKee said.

The calls were made between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp said.

Hood will either have a preliminary hearing this month or the case will be presented to a grand jury, Coshocton County Prosecutor Robert Batchelor said.

A stipulation of Hood's bond was that he can't use a telephone, cell phone or the Internet, McKee said.

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