Marion City Council Member Faces Rape Charges Over Sexual Abuse of 13-Year-Old
Seven months after initial felony rape charges were dismissed, Marion City Council member Ayers Ratliff, 36, has been indicted on five new felony charges involving the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl. His wife, Heidi Ratliff, 34, has also been charged.
In January, the Marion County prosecutor’s office dropped the previous charges to strengthen the case with additional and substantial evidence. The new indictments, filed recently, reference multiple incidents from May 1 and May 19, 2023.
The investigation began after the alleged victim informed a friend, who then notified a school counselor, prompting police involvement. Marion Police Department (PD) and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) conducted interviews and collected physical and electronic evidence from the reported crime scene.
Charges include:
- Ayers Ratliff: Rape, three counts of gross sexual imposition, and abduction.
- Heidi Ratliff: Two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of endangering children, and intimidation of a victim.
Prosecutor Ray Grogan stated that the grand jury found the victim may have been intimidated after reporting the abuse.
Ayers Ratliff pleaded not guilty in September 2024 and recently filed a lawsuit against the prosecutor and staff, alleging wrongful arrest and malicious prosecution. Despite ongoing legal proceedings, Ratliff continues to serve as the 2nd Ward City Council representative, holding several committee positions.
As of now, no future court date has been scheduled.
Follow Dalmar TV on Facebook for the Latest News
