26-06-2025
The search for Ryan 'J.J.' Godbey: Canton detectives talk to man about missing person case
CANTON ‒ An "associate" of a missing 26-year-old man was arrested and jailed June 24 on charges of criminal trespass, aggravated possession of drugs and probation violations in three prior felony cases.
Police spokesman Lt. Dennis Garren said the case is affiliated with the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Ryan T. "JJ" Godbey, 26, of northwest Canton, who was last seen at a downtown nightclub June 19.
He described the man arrested as a "associate of the victim."
Godbey's family reported him missing under suspicious circumstances on June 22.
His last known text, sent to a friend at 12:27 a.m. June 20, said that a man named Danny was upset. He did not reply to a text from his friend.
The man who was arrested was found to be in possession of drugs when detectives went to speak with him, Garren wrote in an email. He was arrested at vacant building in the 1200 block of Walnut Avenue NE.
At an arraignment in Canton Municipal Court on June 26, Magistrate Christy Pierson set bond at $75,000 for the defendant, a 33-year-old Massillon man listed as being homeless in online court records. A status hearing is scheduled for June 30. He remained in jail on the afternoon of June 26.
Police Chief John Gabbard said June 24 that detectives were "acting with an increased sense of urgency" in the search for Godbey, based on a number of factors.
His mother Jackie Godbey told Repository news partner News 5 Cleveland that her son's apartment showed signs of a struggle, and that Ohio Department of Transportation workers had found his bank card and driver's license along Interstate 77 near the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
She said she believes he is in danger for several reasons: He failed to give scheduled performances at a June 21 queer prom, he left medication for seizures and other conditions in his apartment, and he left behind his cats, drag makeup and outfits.
Godney is 5-foot-8 and weighs about 180 pounds. He has long brown hair that he wears in a ponytail or pulled back. He was last seen at Darlin's CREW wearing a red T-shirt, black pants and white Nike shoes.
Canton: Police searching with 'urgency' for missing person last seen at LGBTQ+ club
He is part of the LGBTQ+ community who dresses as a man unless he is performing in drag, said his mother.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Canton police at 330-649-5800 or the Canton Police Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144. Anonymous tips can also be sent to Tip411 or the Stark County Crime Stoppers. Sign up for Tip411 at
Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Ryan Godbey associate jailed on trespassing, drug charges
