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
-
'She's Back': Caitlin Clark returns to the court for Indiana Fever after injury
The Indiana Fever has exciting news for fans, announcing on Friday that Caitlin Clark is set to make her return to the court after recovering from a quad injury.
IMPD seeks community's help in finding missing 16-year-old girl
IMPD Missing Persons Detectives are calling on the community for assistance in locating a 16-year-old girl, last seen on Indy's near northeast side.
From outings to electronics: How Americans are honoring dads this Father’s Day
Father’s Day spending is projected to reach an all-time high as many families prepare for celebrations, gifts, and outings to honor dads across the country.
Shooting on Indy's near west side leaves man dead
A shooting on the near west side of Indianapolis has left one man dead on Friday, according to IMPD.
