Joseph Andrew Estep, age 34, of Monroe Township, Clermont County, was indicted on January 23^rd, 2025, in relation to an incident that occurred on January 17^th, 2025. The Clermont County Grand Jury returned an indictment for Estep on the following charges:

(2) counts of Aggravated Arson, both felonies of the 1^st degree

(1) count of Aggravated Arson, a felony of the 2^nd degree 

(1) count of Domestic Violence, a misdemeanor of the 1^st degree

On Friday, January 17^th, 2025, at 6:53 pm, the Clermont County Communications Center received a 911 call from a resident inside a home located in the 2200 block of Smith Road of Monroe Township, Clermont County. The caller indicated that a live-in family member, Joseph Estep, had barricaded himself in his bedroom, attempting to start a fire by burning the bedroom door down. The caller further elaborated that there was a smell of burning wood inside the residence. 

Clermont County Sheriff’s Office Deputies immediately responded, along with several fire departments, including Monroe Township Fire and EMS, who began arriving at 7 pm. Upon arrival, no active fire was observed. Clermont Sheriff’s Deputies and fire personnel learned there were numerous subjects inside the residence, including elderly adults with mobility issues. Deputies were able to take Estep into custody without incident and confirm the safety of all occupants. Fire personnel cleared the structure of any fire-related dangers but verified there was evidence that an occupant attempted to set a fire inside the home. After clearing the structure of any fire hazards, the patrol deputies secured the scene and contacted the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit. 

Sheriff’s Office Detectives responded and immediately began an investigation. Detectives obtained statements from five other adults inside the residence, all of which gave consistent statements about Estep’s actions, which included spraying family members in the face with an aerosol spray. Additionally, several burn locations were identified in the bedroom, along with multiple ignition sources. Estep provided an initial statement to the Deputies that he was responsible for attempting to set fire inside the residence. Still, when Detectives arrived to gather further details, he refused to provide anything additional. Deputies transported Estep to the Clermont County Jail on January 17^th, where he was charged with Aggravated Arson and Domestic Violence. Estep has remained incarcerated since his arrest.

Estep will appear before Clermont County Common Pleas Judge Kevin Miles on January 24^th, 2025, at 10:00 am for arraignment on the abovementioned charges. He is currently being held without bond.

Any additional inquiries related to this indictment or pending charges should be directed to the Clermont County Prosecutors Office at 513-732-7313.

Joseph Estep, age 34