Marion Councilmember indicted on felony rape charges

MARION, Ohio ( WCMH ) — A Marion City Council member accused of rape was indicted on three felony charges this week.

Marion police first arrested Ayers Ratliff in May on allegations that he raped a 13-year-old child . Ratliff faced criminal rape charges , but per Ohio law, defendants must face a grand jury to determine if a criminal case should begin.

Wednesday, a Marion County Common Pleas grand jury decided this case should proceed, indicting Ratliff on three felony charges: rape, a first-degree felony; gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony; and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a third-degree felony.

Ratliff is still listed as a Marion City Councilmember on the city’s website, and his term expires Dec. 31, 2025. The most recent available recording of a Marion Council meeting is from Aug. 12, and Ratliff can be heard participating as an acting councilmember throughout the meeting.

According to a criminal complaint document, Ratliff was arrested after the child texted a friend about the assault, who relayed the messages to a school guidance counselor. The complaint shows the counselor then called police.

Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan has repeatedly said Ratliff will, of course, be assumed innocent until proven guilty. Grogan has also repeatedly said that no one is above the law, including lawmakers, while discussing this case.

Ratliff is scheduled to appear in court next Tuesday at 1 p.m. for his arraignment.

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