Marion City Council member Ayers Ratliff accused of raping child

MARION, Ohio (WCMH) — A Marion City Council member is facing a rape charge after being arrested Monday night.

In a video statement released on Tuesday, Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan acknowledged that Ayers Ratliff was taken into custody after a child under the age of 15 filed a formal complaint. Grogan stated that Ratliff's home was searched and "physical and electronic evidence" was recovered.

Grogan said that while Ayers is "presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt," as a city council member, Ayers is "not above the law."

Although few details about the alleged crime were given due to victim privacy concerns, Grogan said that after the assault, the victim immediately reported it to someone and Marion Police were notified.

"At his arraignment, my office will seek a high bond, just as we would for any other person accused of a violent first-degree felony," Grogan said.

Ayers Ratliff was in jail on one charge of rape as of Tuesday morning.