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
-
U.S. Customs and Border Protection seizes 1,578 fake World Cup items in Indy
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is in full swing, resulting in thousands of soccer fans and fake merchandise flooding the country.
IU basketball to play North Carolina in exhibition game in Indy
IU men's basketball is set to play North Carolina in an exhibition game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 18, the team announced on Monday.
IMPD says missing 84-year-old with dementia found safe
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding an 84-year-old man with dementia reported missing Monday morning.
State files lawsuit alleging "deceptive" practices of Greenwood pool contractor
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office has filed a civil lawsuit alleging “deceptive” practices following an Indiana's I-Team Investigation into a Greenwood pool contractor.
