A Beloit man identified by authorities as a hospital chaplain has been arrested on multiple felony charges related to child sexual abuse material following a law enforcement search of his home.
Joseph Sabella, 37, was taken into custody early Wednesday after the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at his residence.
During the search, investigators reportedly uncovered both printed and digital materials suspected to contain child sexual abuse content. A preliminary examination of electronic devices seized at the scene revealed what officials described as potentially thousands of illicit images and videos.
Sabella is facing multiple felony charges, including two counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor and one count of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material. He was booked into the Columbiana County Jail and is scheduled to appear for arraignment in Columbiana County Municipal Court on Thursday.
Authorities said Sabella worked as a chaplain at Aultman Hospital in Alliance. As of Thursday morning, a previously active page on the hospital’s website referencing Sabella’s role now redirects to a “Page not found” message. Hospital officials have not publicly commented on the arrest.
The investigation remains ongoing.
