Ohio Father Faces Additional Felony Charge After Allegedly Luring Daughter’s Accused Attacker Through TikTok

GROVE CITY, Ohio – An Ohio father accused of using his 11-year-old daughter’s TikTok account to lure a man charged with sexually assaulting the child to his home is now facing an additional felony charge that could significantly increase his potential prison sentence.

According to court records, Malik Chandler, 31, was originally charged with felonious assault after prosecutors alleged he shot Diego Montoya Gonzalez, 20, during a confrontation at the family’s home. This week, prosecutors added a charge of having a weapon while under disability, alleging Chandler was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony conviction.

Additional Charge Carries Serious Consequences

Franklin County prosecutors said the new charge stems from Chandler’s previous felony burglary conviction, which, under Ohio law, barred him from legally possessing a firearm.

If convicted on both charges, Chandler could face a substantially longer prison sentence than under the original assault charge alone. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Alleged Confrontation Followed Child Abuse Investigation

Prosecutors allege the case began after the girl’s mother discovered a video on her daughter’s cellphone that appeared to show the child being sexually assaulted.

Investigators say Chandler later used his daughter’s TikTok account to communicate with Gonzalez and arranged for him to come to the family’s residence. When Gonzalez arrived, a confrontation occurred, during which prosecutors allege Chandler shot him twice. Gonzalez survived and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Separate Criminal Case Against Gonzalez

In a separate prosecution, a Franklin County grand jury indicted Gonzalez on multiple felony charges, including two counts of rape, five counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, and one count of obstruction of official business.

Prosecutors also allege investigators recovered additional child sexual abuse material from Gonzalez’s phone. He has pleaded not guilty, and the criminal case against him remains pending.

Bond Conditions Tightened

Following Chandler’s arraignment, a judge ordered him to remain under electronic monitoring after posting bond.

During the hearing, prosecutors also alleged Chandler threatened a relative of Gonzalez outside the courthouse. Chandler denied the allegation, and no separate charge related to the alleged incident has been announced. As a condition of his release, he was ordered to avoid contact with Gonzalez and members of his family.

Two Cases Proceed Independently

Although the two cases are connected by the same series of events, they will be handled separately by the courts.

Authorities continue to investigate both matters. Chandler’s assault and weapons charges are independent of the criminal case against Gonzalez, and under U.S. law, both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.