Pre-trial held for teen facing rape, gross sexual imposition charges
By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press
A pre-trial hearing was held Wednesday, April 17 in Highland County Court, Juvenile Division for a 16-year-old male who is alleged to have had recent sexual contact with a child under the age of 13 and faces the equivalent of first-degree felony rape and a third-degree felony charge of gross sexual imposition.
Judge Kevin L. Greer presided. The state was represented by Highland County assistant prosecutor James Roeder, and the defendant was represented by Hillsboro attorney Dennis Kirk.
During the hearing, the judge and counsel discussed the likelihood of adding additional counsel for the mother of the alleged victim.
"You can't represent a parent and the agency (Children Services)," Judge Greer told Roeder.
There was also a brief discussion on the possibility of having the case bound over to the adult court. Roeder suggested this was not likely since the defendant has had zero prior cases with the court.
"It is discretionary," Roeder said. "He has no prior history with this court. There is no request at this time to bind it over."
Prior to the hearing, Kirk met privately via Zoom with the defendant. The judge also spoke with the defendant, who is being held in a detention facility.
The Highland County Sheriff's Office investigated the alleged incidents, which reportedly occurred between March 31 and April 8, 2024.
A second pre-trial hearing will be scheduled in Highland County Court, Juvenile Division, as counsel said there are discovery matters to resolve.
* * *
••• Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.