State v. Knoch

[Cite as State v. Knoch, 2026-Ohio-3357.] IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO SEVENTH APPELLATE DISTRICT COLUMBIANA COUNTY STATE OF OHIO, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. ERIC C. KNOCH, Defendant-Appellant. OPINION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY Case No. 26 CO 0005 Criminal Appeal from the Columbiana Municipal Court of Columbiana County, Ohio Case No. 2025 CRB 001039 BEFORE: Carol Ann Robb, Cheryl L. Waite, Mark A. Hanni, Judges. JUDGMENT: Affirmed. Atty. Vito J. Abruzzino, Columbiana County Prosecutor, Atty. Jennifer McLaughlin Bonish, Assistant Prosecutor, for Plaintiff-Appellee and Atty. Ronald D. Yarwood, DeGenova & Yarwood, Ltd., for Defendant-Appellant. Dated: August 27, 2026  –2– Robb, J. {¶1} Appellant, Eric C. Knoch, appeals his January 6, 2026 convictions for engaging in prostitution and possession of criminal tools and the trial court’s decision denying his motion to dismiss the charges. Knoch challenges the constitutionality of R.C. 2907.231. For the following reasons, we affirm. Statement of the Case {¶2} Knoch was charged by two separate complaints with one count of engaging in prostitution in violation of R.C. 2907.231(B), and one count of possessing criminal tools in violation of R.C. 2923.24. Each complaint is based on the affidavit of Agent Joe Chamberlain of the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force. The affidavit states in part that Knoch drove to Salem, Ohio to meet the undercover agent for sexual conduct. Chamberlain asserts Knoch requested oral sex in exchange for $80 via a telecommunications device and Knoch had a cellular telephone, which he used to arrange the illegal act, in his possession on the date of the offense. (July 24, 2025 Complaints & Affidavit.) {¶3} Knoch appeared via video at his arraignment without counsel and entered a not guilty plea. Knoch advised the court he would retain counsel and posted a personal recognizance bond. (July 24, 2025 Judgment.) {¶4} Counsel entered a notice of appearance on Knoch’s behalf. Defense counsel also filed a waiver of speedy trial rights; an extension of time to file pretrial motions; a request for discovery and bill of particulars; a request for notice of the prosecution’s intent to use evidence; and a motion to preserve video and audio evidence. (August 13, 2025 Motions.) {¶5} The trial court granted Knoch’s request for additional time to file pretrial motions. (August 14, 2025 Judgment.) It also granted his motion to preserve audio and video evidence. (August 14, 2025 Judgment.) {¶6} A pretrial hearing was held October 7, 2025, and the case was set for a motion hearing in January of 2026. (October 7, 2025 Judgment.) {¶7} Knoch moved to dismiss the complaints against him. He asserted the engaging in prostitution statute, R.C. 2907.231(B), is unconstitutionally vague and Case No. 26 CO 0005  –3– overbroad in violation of the Fourteenth Amendments to the Ohio and U.S. Constitutions. Knoch additionally claimed the statute violates his due process right to privacy concerning sexual activity. (January 5, 2026 Motion to Dismiss.) {¶8} The state and Knoch entered a plea agreement. Knoch agreed to plead no contest to both charges in exchange for a joint plea and sentencing recommendation requiring him to pay $800 in fines, serve two years reporting probation, 35 hours community service, and complete a mental health evaluation and a ten-hour prostitution prevention course. (January 6, 2026 Plea Recommendation.) {¶9} The trial court overruled Knoch’s motion to dismiss. The trial court found Knoch guilty. It adopted and approved the plea agreement and imposed two, concurrent 180-day jail terms, suspended. It ordered Knoch to serve the agreed upon two-year term of probation and pay $800 in fines plus court costs. The court released Knoch’s bond and stayed his sentence pending appeal. (January 6, 2026 Judgment.) {¶10} Knoch appeals his convictions and the court’s decision overruling his motion to dismiss. He raises three assignments of error. Assignments of Error Void for Vagueness {¶11} Knoch’s first assignment of error asserts: “The trial court erred in failing to find Ohio Revised Code 2907.231(B) unconstitutionally vague in violation of the Ohio and United States Constitutions.” {¶12} Knoch argues the statute is unconstitutionally vague because the definition of “sexual activity for hire” is hopelessly vague such that it encompasses noncriminal conduct between consenting adults. {¶13} Knoch additionally asserts the statute is unconstitutionally vague since the definition of the phrase “anything of value” encompasses information, support, or promises, and as such, the statute seemingly encompasses noncriminal conduct and permits or invites selective application. Knoch also claims the provision infringes on one’s First Amendment freedoms since its lack of clarity inhibits consensual intimate relations. Case No. 26 CO 0005  –4– {¶14} We review constitutional challenges to a statute de novo without deference to the trial court’s decision. State v. Anderson, 2016-Ohio-5791, ¶ 20. {¶15} The void-for-vagueness doctrine is a component of the right to due process and is rooted in concerns that laws must provide fair notice and prevent arbitrary enforcement. Skilling v. United States, 561 U.S. 358 (2010). A party challenging a statute as unconstitutionally vague must establish the statute is vague “not in the sense that it requires a person to conform his conduct to an imprecise but comprehensible normative standard, but rather in the sense that no standard of conduct is specified at all.” State v. Anderson, 57 Ohio St.3d 168, 171 (1991), quoting Coates v. Cincinnati, 402 U.S. 611, 614 (1971). The fact that a statute requires administrative or judicial clarification does not render the statute constitutionally vague. In re Application of Columbus S. Power Co., 2012-Ohio- 5690, ¶ 20. {¶16} Relying on United States Supreme Court decisions, the Ohio Supreme Court in Huron v. Kisil, 2025-Ohio-2921, ¶ 1, held “[a] statute or ordinance will not be struck down as unconstitutionally vague if the challenger's conduct clearly falls within the activities proscribed by the statute.” When an individual’s conduct is clearly prohibited, he has had fair notice from the language of the statute “that the particular conduct which he engaged in was punishable.” Parker v. Levy, 417 U.S. 733, 755-756 (1974); Hoffman Estates v. Flipside, Hoffman Estates, Inc., 455 U.S. 489, 498-499 (1982). Further, courts should not engage in hypothetical applications of the law to the conduct of others not pending before it. Id. {¶17} R.C. 2907.231(B) states: “No person shall recklessly induce, entice, or procure another to engage in sexual activity for hire in exchange for the person giving anything of value to the other person.” {¶18} “Sexual activity for hire” is defined as “an implicit or explicit agreement to provide sexual activity in exchange for anything of value paid to the person engaging in such sexual activity, to any person trafficking that person, or to any person associated with either such person.” R.C. 2907.231(A)(2). “Anything of value” is not defined in the statute. However, it is defined in R.C. 1.03, which Case No. 26 CO 0005  –5– states in part “anything of value” includes money, goods, rights in action, a promise of future employment, and “[e]very other thing of value.” R.C. 1.03 (A)-(I). {¶19} This court has thrice rejected arguments that R.C. 2907.231(B) is unconstitutionally vague in State v. George, 2026-Ohio-324 (7th Dist.), State v. Clavin, 2026-Ohio-325 (7th Dist.), and State v. Gore, 2026-Ohio-1488, ¶ 26 (7th Dist.), and the Ohio Supreme Court declined to review the discretionary appeals in State v. George, 2026-Ohio-1880, and State v. Clavin, 2026-Ohio-1880. {¶20} In Clavin, this court concluded the defendant’s conduct plainly fell within the proscriptions of R.C. 2907.231(B) since the charging instrument alleged Clavin responded to an agent’s online advertisement on a website known for prostitution activity. Further, Clavin sought oral and vaginal sex in exchange for $140. We found this offer to pay money in exchange for sexual conduct fell within the definition of R.C. 1.03(A). Id. at ¶ 17-18. Consequently, since his conduct squarely fell within the conduct prohibited by R.C. 2907.231(B), we held his argument that the provision is unconstitutionally void for vagueness must fail. Id. at ¶19-20. This is the same result we reached in George and Gore. George at ¶ 17-18. Gore at ¶ 26. {¶21} In the instant case, the charging affidavit avers that Knoch requested oral sex from the agent in exchange for the payment of $80 via a telecommunications device. It also alleges Knoch drove to Salem, Ohio to meet the undercover agent for the agreed upon sexual conduct. (July 23, 2025 Affidavit of Agent Chamberlain) Like Clavin and George, Knoch’s conduct falls squarely within the statute—he offered the payment of money for the performance of a sexual act. Thus, his void for vagueness challenge fails since Knoch had fair notice his particular conduct was punishable under the statute. Huron at ¶ 13 (explaining “the law must be vague in its application to the party at issue in the case”). {¶22} Thus, Knoch’s first assigned error is overruled. Unconstitutionally Overbroad {¶23} Knoch’s second assignment of error asserts: Case No. 26 CO 0005  –6– “The trial court erred in failing to find Ohio Revised Code 2907.231(B) unconstitutionally overbroad, in violation of the Ohio and United States Constitutions.” {¶24} Under this assignment, Knoch asserts the statute is overbroad and there are “no limits” to explain what constitutes prostitution versus intimate conduct between consenting adults. Knoch additionally claims the phrase “anything of value” encompasses all things without limitation. Knoch contends even traditional wedding vows are arguably prohibited under R.C. 2907.231(B). He challenges the statute as facially overbroad. Last, Knoch claims the statute is overbroad since it violates one’s due process right to engage in private sexual conduct. {¶25} As stated, we review constitutional challenges to a statute de novo. State v. Anderson, 2016-Ohio-5791, ¶ 20. {¶26} Overbreadth challenges in Ohio are reserved for cases involving First Amendment rights, including the freedom of speech, assembly, association, or the press. State v. Bielski, 2013-Ohio-5771, ¶ 8 (7th Dist.) (citations omitted). “[T]here must be a realistic danger that the statute itself will significantly compromise recognized First Amendment protections of parties not before the Court for it to be facially challenged on overbreadth grounds.” Members of City Council of City of Los Angeles v. Taxpayers for Vincent, 466 U.S. 789, 801 (1984). {¶27} Unlike other constitutional challenges, even a person whose activity is not protected may challenge a law as overbroad under the First Amendment to contest the potential chilling effect of a statute. United States v. Hansen, 599 U.S. 762, 770 (2023). Yet, to justify facial invalidation, a law's unconstitutional applications must be legitimate and realistic, not imaginative. In addition, the unconstitutional applications of the provision in question must significantly exceed its lawful application. Id. {¶28} To determine if a statute is overbroad, a court must first determine what the provision covers. Id. The statute at issue here, R.C. 2907.231(B), prohibits one from recklessly inducing, enticing, or procuring “another to engage in sexual activity for hire in exchange for the person giving anything of value to the other person.” Case No. 26 CO 0005  –7– {¶29} As pointed out by the state, this court recently found in Clavin and George that R.C. 2907.231(B) is intended to prohibit sex trafficking and sex for hire. We also found this provision does not criminalize protected speech or private conduct. Id. In reaching this conclusion, we explained: “R.C. 2907.231(B) does not reach or bar protected speech or other constitutionally protected rights.” George at ¶ 28; Clavin at ¶ 28; accord Gore at ¶ 31. {¶30} We also emphasized prostitution is not protected conduct and found the only speech affected by the statute is speech seeking or arranging sexual activity in return for something of value. Id. Thus, this court concluded: “Appellant's assertions that the statute may spill slightly into intimate sexual relations between consenting adults is insufficient to render it overbroad.” We also found the provision is narrowly tailored to meet its explicit purpose. George at ¶ 26-27; Clavin at ¶ 26- 27. Knoch fails to present any reason we should deviate from our recent findings in this regard. {¶31} In light of the foregoing, Knoch’s second assigned error lacks merit and is overruled. Due Process {¶32} Assignment of error number three: “The trial court erred in failing to recognize that Ohio Revised Code 2907.231(B) violates Appellant's fundamental right to liberty and privacy under the Due Process Clauses of the Ohio and United States Constitutions.” {¶33} Knoch asserts the statute is unconstitutional on its face because it interferes with his right to engage in private conduct. And because it interferes with fundamental rights, it is subject to strict scrutiny. For the following reasons, we disagree. {¶34} Statutes are presumed constitutional. R.C. 1.47(A). The party challenging a statute has the burden of proving it is unconstitutional beyond a reasonable doubt. Woods v. Telb, 89 Ohio St.3d 504, 511. {¶35} One of two tests is used to determine the constitutionality of a statute. State v. Lowe, 2007-Ohio-606, ¶ 18. When the law affects a fundamental right, courts must employ strict scrutiny to determine whether the statute is narrowly Case No. 26 CO 0005  –8– tailored to serve a compelling state interest. Id. On the other hand, when there is no fundamental right at issue, courts apply the rational-basis test. Id. Under this test, a statute will not be deemed unconstitutional if it is reasonably related to a legitimate government interest. Id. {¶36} Like the other two assigned errors, this argument was also raised and rejected in the Clavin, George, and Gore cases. In Clavin, we explained the Ohio Supreme Court in Lowe did not recognize a fundamental right to engage in consensual sexual activity. {¶37} To the contrary, Lowe applied the rational basis test to the incest statute at issue before it and found the provision served the legitimate state interest of protecting the family unit. Id. ¶ 37-38. And in Clavin, we applied the rational basis test to R.C. 2907.231(B) and held the provision bears a rational relationship to the state’s legitimate interests of protecting the public from prostitution as well as preventing sex trafficking and the commercialization of sex with children. Id. at ¶ 44. This is the same outcome reached in George and Gore. George at ¶ 44; Gore at ¶ 36. {¶38} As stated, the statute was enacted to advance the legitimate state aims of combatting human trafficking and prohibiting sex for hire. And as pointed out by the state, this court has repeatedly held there is no fundamental right to engage in sex trafficking or prostitution. Thus, this assignment of error lacks merit. Conclusion {¶39} Based on the foregoing, each of Knoch’s assignments of error lack merit and are overruled. The trial court judgment is affirmed. Waite, P.J., concurs. Hanni, J., concurs with concurring opinion. Case No. 26 CO 0005  –9– Hanni, J., concurs with concurring opinion. {¶40} I concur with the majority that Appellant’s assignments of error in this case lack merit. However, I write separately to note that while R.C. 2907.231(B) has survived constitutional challenges thus far, its language could present possible vagueness, overbreadth and due process issues under more appropriate circumstances. {¶41} In the last few months, we have decided at least three cases very similar to the one at bar. See State v. Gore, 2026-Ohio-1488 (7th Dist.); State v. Clavin, 2026-Ohio-325 (7th Dist.); State v. George, 2026-Ohio-324 (7th Dist.). In each, as well as the instant case, the appellant challenged R.C. 2907.231(B) based on vagueness, overbreadth, and a violation of due process. {¶42} And in each, we found no constitutional violations. We held that each appellant could not sustain a vagueness challenge because his conduct fell plainly within the statute’s confines. We held that an overbreadth challenge failed because the statute only minimally affected speech and it was narrowly tailored to prohibit the conduct of hiring a person for engaging in sexual activity for something of value. And finally, we held that the statute did not violate due process on its face because it did specify particular conduct and it was rationally related to the state’s interests in public safety, controlling a possible health hazard, and preventing the sexual commercialization of children or those unable to consent. {¶43} However, with each case, a closer examination of the statute reveals that appropriate circumstances could present closer constitutional challenges. For instance, while we have held that R.C. 2907.231(B) is not void for vagueness, the main reason for our decision was that the appellants’ monetary exchanges squarely fell within the definition of “anything of value.” R.C. 1.03 provides definitions of “anything of value” that apply to R.C. 2907.231(B). But the last definition under R.C. 1.03 of “anything of value” as “every other thing of value” is actually no definition at all. For instance, mutual marriage covenants could constitute “every other thing of value,” and meet this vague definition. Case No. 26 CO 0005  – 10 – {¶44} Appropriate factual circumstances could also present more significant constitutional overbreadth or due process challenges to the statute. The appellants in the cases before us challenged the statute on its face. This fails because the statute bears a rational basis related to the state’s interests in protecting public safety and preventing the sexual commercialization of children and those who cannot consent. However, an “as applied” challenge may present different challenges as the language of the statute may also govern intimate consensual conduct that may occur before or after adults mutually enjoy dinner, entertainment, or even an engagement. {¶45} Accordingly, I concur in the majority opinion in this case that Appellant’s conviction under R.C. 2907.231(B) was not a violation of his constitutional rights. Case No. 26 CO 0005 [Cite as State v. Knoch, 2026-Ohio-3357.] For the reasons stated in the Opinion rendered herein, the assignments of error are overruled and it is the final judgment and order of this Court that the judgment of the Columbiana Municipal Court of Columbiana County, Ohio, is affirmed. Costs to be taxed against the Appellant. A certified copy of this opinion and judgment entry shall constitute the mandate in this case pursuant to Rule 27 of the Rules of Appellate Procedure. It is ordered that a certified copy be sent by the clerk to the trial court to carry this judgment into execution. NOTICE TO COUNSEL This document constitutes a final judgment entry.