P.C. man charged for waterboarding his wife

Joshua Lee Hole, 48, faces multiple felony charges including first-degree kidnapping.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

A Plain City man has been indicted by the Union County Grand Jury on seven felony counts, including one count of first-degree kidnapping, after allegedly waterboarding his wife. Joshua Lee Hole, 48, of 9643 Brock Road in Plain City, is accused of the violent acts against his spouse.

Why it matters

Waterboarding is an extreme form of torture that has been condemned internationally. The charges against Hole highlight the issue of domestic violence and the need for stronger protections for victims of abuse.

The details

According to the indictment, Hole is accused of kidnapping his wife and subjecting her to waterboarding, a form of simulated drowning that has been classified as torture. The seven felony counts he faces also include charges of felonious assault, kidnapping, and abduction.

  • The alleged incidents occurred in March 2026.

The players

Joshua Lee Hole

A 48-year-old resident of Plain City, Ohio, who has been indicted on multiple felony charges including first-degree kidnapping for allegedly waterboarding his wife.

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What’s next

The Union County Prosecutor's Office is expected to pursue the charges against Hole, and he will face a trial in the coming months.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and action around domestic violence, as well as the importance of strong legal protections for victims of abuse. It serves as a sobering reminder that extreme forms of torture can occur even in domestic settings.