CEDARVILLE, OH — A former finance professor at Cedarville University, known for his published works on Christian sexual ethics and the sanctity of marriage, was arrested Tuesday following a grand jury indictment on eight felony sex charges involving his own children.
John Kent Tarwater, 55, was booked into the Greene County Jail. The indictment, filed March 27, includes two counts of rape, three counts of sexual battery, and three counts of gross sexual imposition. Prosecutors allege the abuse occurred between August 2019 and July 2025, involving victims who were under the age of 13 during a portion of the timeline.
A Career Built on Moral Teaching
Tarwater joined the faculty at the private Baptist university in 2017. He held dual doctorates in ethics and finance and was a prolific writer for evangelical outlets. His notable works include:
* Marriage as Covenant: Considering God’s Design at Creation (2005)
* Business Ethics: A Christian Method for Making Moral Decisions (2019)
* An article for The Gospel Coalition titled “Does Sexual Self-Gratification Glorify God?” (The organization has since removed the piece from its website).
University Response and Dismissal
Cedarville University officials confirmed that they were made aware of an investigation into Tarwater in July 2025. According to an email sent to the campus community by John W. Davis, Associate VP for Human Resources, Tarwater was immediately placed on administrative leave and banned from campus. His contract was officially terminated in October.
“Our understanding is that these charges do not involve anyone Dr. Tarwater met or interacted with as a University professor,” Davis stated. “Even so, we desire to be transparent and ensure the safety of everyone on campus.”
Legal Details
The indictment alleges that some of the incidents took place at a Cedarville property formerly owned by Tarwater. Consequently, prosecutors are seeking the forfeiture of the property, labeling it an “instrumentality” of the alleged crimes.
Tarwater remains in custody without listed defense counsel. The university has urged anyone with information regarding further inappropriate behavior to contact their Title IX office, concluding their statement with a call for prayer for the victims affected by the “grievous” situation.
Summary of Charges
| Count | Charge | Degree |
| 2 | Rape | 1st Degree Felony |
| 3 | Sexual Battery | 2nd/3rd Degree Felony |
| 3 | Gross Sexual Imposition | 3rd/4th Degree Felony |
