How Could You? Hall of Shame-Eric Unger

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Utica, Ohio, firefighter and foster parent, Eric Unger, 49, “was arrested by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office on Monday [June 1, 2026] for sex crimes against a child. [The child was NOT his foster child!]

49-year-old Eric Unger is charged with sexual battery after allegedly assaulting the child while she was asleep. He was originally charged with gross sexual imposition before his charge escalated.”

“Investigators claim Unger groped the child while she was asleep. Court documents state the child woke up when Unger continued physical contact with her.

Prosecutors also allege that shortly afterward, Unger sent the child a text message describing himself as a “bad person” for what “had happened.”

It is unclear who called authorities, but Unger was arrested Monday and arraigned Tuesday afternoon.”

“Investigators also learned that certain text messages were deleted following the incident. Unger admitted to authorities he had deleted messages.

The Prosecutor’s Office said Unger admitted to “crossing a line,” according to the criminal complaint.

“The grand jury would consider the conduct along the lines indicated on the initial charge with sexual battery, gross sexual imposition, tampering with evidence, as well as other charges that the investigation brings forth when the case goes to grand jury,” explained Clifford Murphy, First Assistant Prosecutor with the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office.

Sources close to Unger tell ABC 6 he and his wife serve as foster parents, although the child involved in this case was not one of their foster children.

Prosecutors say additional charges could be considered by a grand jury, including possible evidence tampering related to deleted messages.

The State Fire Marshall’s Office, Licking County Prosecutor’s Office, Licking County Sheriff’s Office, Homer Fire District, or Unger’s wife could not confirm his alleged affiliation with the Homer Fire District.

The Homer Fire District recently shared a photo of Unger celebrating his 49th birthday.[…What?]

When ABC 6 visited the Homer Fire District, staff declined to confirm his employment, closing all garage doors upon our news crew’s arrival. The Homer Fire District said only the Fire Chief could confirm his employment status and the Chief was not available Tuesday.

ABC 6 has requested a copy of Unger’s employment file with the Homer Fire District.

Family services agencies also would not discuss any information related to foster parent records, citing privacy laws. Licking County Job and Family Services told ABC 6 Unger is not registered with the department.

The Village Network could not confirm if he is registered as a foster parent.

“The Village Network does not disclose or confirm the identities of foster parents or foster families involved in our programs,” said Christine Boyd with The Village Network. “This longstanding practice is intended to protect the privacy, safety, and confidentiality of the children and families we serve. As a result, we are unable to comment on or verify whether any specific individual is affiliated with our foster care program.” [Oh, please!]

During today’s hearing, Prosecutors said Unger is currently without permanent housing. He told the court he plans to stay at his parent’s Utica home if released on bond.

A judge set bond at $200,000 and ordered Unger to have no contact with the alleged victim. He is also prohibited from being around minors without supervision.

The judge ordered him to complete drug, alcohol, and mental health evaluations.

Unger is back in court June 11.”

Licking County father charged with sex crimes against child

[WSYX ABC 6 6/3/26 by Erin Simonek]

“A Licking County man was arraigned in court this week after a grand jury indictment was handed down on sexual battery charges.

According to court documents, Eric Unger waived a reading of an indictment, which charges him with sexual battery and tampering with evidence for allegedly touching a girl while she was sleeping.

The 17-year-old accused Unger of groping while she was sleeping at a home in Utica on May 31. The victim said she woke up with Unger “pinching her side,” then received a text from him saying he was a “bad person” because of what happened. ”

Licking County man indicted on sexual battery charge against a minor
[NBC 4 6/21/26 by Adam Conn]

[Hmm…. lots of “stuff” that “they” can’t confirm…, but good reporting!]

REFORM Puzzle Piece