Man accused of kidnapping 9-year-old arrested

AMANDA - A man accused of kidnapping and assaulting a 9-year-old girl was arrested Wednesday in Amanda.

Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen said Massillon police contacted the department Wednesday. Dennis Menefee, 45, of Port Washington, was supposed to be working on a road construction crew on U.S. 22 near Amanda.

Menefee was working as a flagger when he was arrested by sheriff’s deputies without incident. The vehicle thought to have been used in the alleged abduction was impounded.

A news release from the Massillon Police Department states Menefee faces first-degree felony rape and kidnapping charges, as well as first-degree misdemeanor charges of assault and aggravated menacing.

Menefee’s bond was set at $1 million Thursday in Fairfield County Municipal Court. He was released Thursday to be taken to the Stark County Jail.

Menefee is accused of abducting a child Monday, according to the release. Menefee is accused of telling the child he was a police officer and that she was reportedly missing. After the girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and beaten, she was set free and walked home, officials reported.