Mark Knight (L), Jan McHenry (R)
LISBON — A Salem woman accused of sexually abusing two children is competent to stand trial, a Columbiana County Common Pleas Court judge ruled Monday.
Judge Megan Bickerton issued the ruling for Jan McHenry, 40, during a court hearing after reviewing a mental health report from the Forensic Psychiatric Center of Northeast Ohio. The psychiatric center evaluated McHenry to see if she understood the charges against her and could assist her lawyer in her defense.
McHenry faces 12 charges, including three counts of gross sexual imposition, three counts of rape, and six counts of sexual battery. Authorities say the charges come from an investigation into abuse that took place between 2014 and 2025. McHenry previously entered a not guilty plea.
During Monday’s hearing, McHenry also agreed to pause her right to a speedy trial. She signed a waiver in the courtroom after the judge explained her legal rights.
Bickerton scheduled McHenry’s trial to begin on Dec. 8. A final meeting to discuss the status of the case before the trial is set for Nov. 23, 2026. McHenry remains in custody, and the judge ordered that her bond continue under the current terms. The court previously set her bond at $100,000 and ordered her to have no contact with the victims or witnesses.
McHenry’s co-defendant, Mark Knight, 57, faces similar charges in a connected case. Bickerton ordered a separate mental health evaluation for Knight in late May after his defense lawyer raised concerns about his ability to understand the charges. Knight’s evaluation canceled a trial that was supposed to start last month. His case remains paused while the court waits for his psychiatric report.
Investigators noted the case came to light after one of the young victims reached out to a person living in another state.