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
-
WNBA expanding regular season schedule to 50 games in 2027
The WNBA is expanding its regular season to 50 games starting in 2027, the league announced on Wednesday.
NWS confirms tornado in Putnam County; no injuries reported
A tornado briefly touched down in southeastern Putnam County, east of Greencastle, Tuesday night, the National Weather Service confirmed Wednesday morning.
35 women file new lawsuit against faith-based Lebanon program for girls
35 women have filed an amended lawsuit alleging they were abused at Central Indiana Teen Challenge, now operating as Refuge Girls Academy, a faith-based residential program for teen girls in Lebanon.
Severe weather likely today; tornadoes and damaging winds possible
Weather alert for today was strong to severe thunderstorms, moving across the state this afternoon and evening.
