ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — The Franklin County Sheriff's Office fired a deputy who was indicted on more than 30 counts of rape last month.
Sheriff Dallas Baldwin announced Deputy Charles Davis' termination on Thursday following an administrative hearing.
"Given the gravity of the allegations, Sheriff Baldwin has determined that relieving Deputy Davis of his duties was necessary," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
On July 31, the U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested Davis, 50, after he was indicted on 58 total counts — 32 counts of rape and 26 counts of gross sexual imposition.
The sheriff’s office says it was made aware of the investigation in September 2023 and Davis was immediately placed on leave.
According to the indictment filed in the Ross County Court of Common Pleas, Davis is accused of engaging in sexual conduct several times with someone under the age of 13 between March 1, 2020 and Aug. 7, 2021. Davis is also accused of engaging in sexual conduct when he "purposely compelled the said other person to submit by force or threat of force."
Brian Steel, the president of the Columbus chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, previously said that the police union will not represent Davis in this case.
Davis pleaded not guilty to all counts in court two weeks ago and was released from the Ross County Jail on his own recognizance. His bond was set at $500,000.
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