COLUMBUS, Ohio — A Franklin County sheriff’s deputy was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Task Force on Wednesday and was indicted on more than 30 counts of rape.
Charles Davis, 50, was indicted on 58 total counts – 32 counts of rape and 26 counts of gross sexual imposition, according to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.
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."
Sheriff Dallas Baldwin issued a statement saying, “This is an extremely serious matter, and I have full faith in the investigation. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and accountability. I want to reassure our citizens that we are dedicated to transparency, professionalism, and, as always, the safety of our community.”
An internal investigation is underway.
Brian Steel, the president of the Columbus chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, said that the police union will not represent Davis in this case.
Davis pleaded not guilty to all counts Wednesday afternoon in court and was released from the Ross County Jail on his own recognizance. His bond is set at $500,000.