COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A grand jury in Ohio has indicted the man accused of raping and impregnating a 10-year-old girl who traveled to Indiana for an abortion.
Gerson Fuentes, 27, is charged with two felony counts of rape in an indictment filed Thursday in county court in Columbus. He was arrested on July 14.
The case drew national attention when an Indianapolis doctor said the child had to go to Indiana because Ohio banned abortions at the first detectable “fetal heartbeat” after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.
Before the criminal case against the suspect was revealed, Ohio's Republican attorney general and a GOP congressman from the state were among conservatives who publicly questioned whether the story about the girl was true. Democratic President Joe Biden highlighted the girl's case at the signing of an executive order aimed at protecting access to abortion.
Court records listed no attorney for the rape suspect after the indictment. His arraignment is scheduled for Monday.
Initial court records didn't specify whether or how the suspect knew the girl, and authorities haven't provided comment or additional details in response to requests about that.
PREVIOUS WRTV COVERAGE: Records show Indy doctor properly reported abortion for 10-year-old rape victim, AG still investigating | Attorney for Caitlin Bernard files tort claim notice against Indiana AG Todd Rokita | Indy abortion doctor sends 'cease & desist' to Indiana AG over 'inflammatory accusations' | Ohio attorney general said 10-year-old rape victim could have had abortion in the state, but law isn't clear
-
Shooting on Indy's northwest side leaves 1 critically injured
One person is in critical condition following a shooting on the northwest side of Indianapolis Saturday night.Hart, Anunoby listed as questionable to play for Knicks against the Pacers
Starting forwards Josh Hart and OG Anunoby are both listed as questionable to play for the New York Knicks on Sunday in Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers.Greenfield anti-bullying rally pushes for change following death of 10-year-old
As the community mourns, they're also pushing for change and enforcement of the district's anti-bullying policy in place.Walmart’s business surges as shoppers hunt for low prices
The largest retailer in the United States has used its size and buying power to keep prices lower than competitors even as inflation has surged since the pandemic, retail analysts say.