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
-
Applications for Orr Fellowship now open
Launch your career with the Orr Fellowship! Post-graduate program connecting talent with full-time jobs, mentorship, and professional development at leading Indiana companies.
Prosecutors remind parents of child support assistance
August is Child Support Awareness Month, the Boone County Prosecutor is reminding parents that every prosecutor's office in the state is there to help them.
Increased patrols on Monon Trail following two recent assaults
IMPD is urging community members to remain vigilant after police reports show two separate sexual assault investigations were reported along the Monon Trail within the past week.
IU School of Medicine program tackling rural area physician shortage
The IU School of Medicine offers the Rural Medical Education Program (RMEP) at the Terre Haute campus.
