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
-
Ausome Indy expands its autism support network to include dads
Ausome Indy, known for its moms' network, is now creating a space for fathers of children with autism, as CDC data shows one in 31 children is affected.
New community assessment reveals top 5 health issues facing Marion Co residents
The Marion County Public Health Department revealed the top 5 health issues facing residents across the county. The new community health assessment hopes to plan next steps for better health outcomes.
Record rain triggers flooding in Indy: DPW crews clearing storm drains
Clogged storm drains can mean flooded roads, but Indy DPW crews are working hard to clear the drains to avoid this issue.
Fountain Square neighborhood gets new storm sewer to address years of flooding
Construction crews with the Indianapolis Department of Public Works are working on a project designed to change that, installing a new trunk-line storm sewer in the Fountain Square neighborhood.
