McDermott man arrested following ongoing sexual assault investigation

Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman announced that a McDermott man has been indicted on rape charges following an investigation by the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office.

Thoroughman said his office was contacted regarding a possible rape allegation, which led to a report being filed and the case being assigned to a detective for further investigation.

Sheriff Thoroughman stated that the investigation has been ongoing and included the victim being transported for a sexual assault examination. During the course of the investigation, detectives located the suspect, obtained a DNA sample and submitted that evidence to the crime lab for testing.

According to Sheriff Thoroughman, the investigation established that the juvenile victim had allegedly been sexually assaulted beginning at age 10. After recently receiving the crime lab results, detectives presented the case to a Scioto County Grand Jury, which returned an indictment and led to the issuance of an indictment warrant.

On Sunday, May 31, detectives located the suspect and took him into custody without incident.

Arrested was Jose Lopez, 46, of McDermott. Lopez has been charged with two counts of rape, both felonies of the first degree, and is currently being held without bond. 

Sheriff Thoroughman stated that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges may be presented to a Scioto County Grand Jury.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Jodi Conkel at (740) 351-1091.

An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.