COLUMBUS — A man accused of raping and impregnating a 10-year-old Columbus girl who later traveled to Indiana for an abortion will face criminal charges, according to court records.
>>Columbus man charged in rape of 10-year-old girl who sought abortion in Indiana
Gerson Fuentes, 27, was indicted by a Franklin County grand jury Thursday on two counts of rape, both felony charges, Franklin County court records show.
Fuentes has remained booked in the Franklin County Jail since his arrest July 12. His bond was initially set at $2 million during his initial court appearance earlier this month.
Court records state a report was generated on June 22 with Columbus police for a reported rape. On July 6, the victim identified Fuentes to authorities as the person who raped her.
Six days later, detectives served Fuentes with a search warrant for a saliva sample, our news partners at WBNS-TV previously reported. He was taken to police headquarters for an interview where he confessed to raping the victim, according to documents.
During Fuentes’ arraignment hearing last week, a detective testified the victim underwent a medical abortion on June 30, the station previously reported.
Sources connected to the investigation told WBNS-TV that Fuentes is not in the country lawfully.
The case and story involving Fuentes has made national and international headlines, following the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade.
After the court decision, Ohio activated the state’s Heartbeat Law, which bans most abortions when the first fetal heartbeat is detected.
After the victim’s story appeared in The Indianapolis Star, many questioned its legitimacy including Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. During an appearance on Fox News, Yost said the story was being used as a political weapon and the victim could have had an abortion in Ohio.
After news of the case’s legitimacy, Yost responded with this statement last week: “My heart aches for the pain suffered by this young child. I am grateful for the diligent work of the Columbus Police Department in securing a confession and getting a rapist off the street. Justice must be served and (the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation) stands ready to support law enforcement across Ohio putting these criminals behind bars.”
Earlier this week, Ohio Democratic Party leaders called for Yost’s resignation over him questioning the girl’s story.
“As attorney general, Yost should be looking for justice, not getting in the way of it. An apology is not enough, Dave Yost must resign,” Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters said in a statement Tuesday.
Questions surround if the girl could have received a legal abortion in Ohio. State Senator Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, told News Center 7 she would have legally been able to get one under Ohio’s Heartbeat Law.
“Many physicians believe that a pregnancy by a small child (in this case, a 10-year-old girl) could qualify for life of the mother exception or substantial impairment to a major bodily function due to her young age,” Huffman said in a statement to News Center 7.
“Bottom line, the victim was not forced to go to Indiana. She could have had a legal abortion in Ohio,” Huffman said.
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