Franklin County deputy charged with rape terminated from sheriff's office

A Franklin County Sheriff's Office deputy who was indicted in July in Ross County on 32 counts of rape has been terminated from his position after being placed on administrative leave for almost a year, the sheriff's office announced Thursday.

Charles R. Davis, 50, a 21-year veteran of the force, had been on administrative leave since the sheriff's office learned of the external rape investigation in September 2023, according to a statement from Sheriff Dallas Baldwin's office. Davis faces 58 criminal counts, including the rape charges and 26 counts of gross sexual imposition.

"Given the gravity of the allegations, Sheriff Baldwin has determined that relieving Deputy Davis of his duties was necessary," the sheriff's office said. They also said they would not be making any further comments as the case progresses.

The offenses occurred between March 2020 and October 2022, and many involved a victim under 13, according to court records. Documents related to the investigation don't say whether Davis committed the offenses while working.

The indictment contains 16 charges accusing Davis of engaging in sexual conduct with a child under the age of 13 as well as 16 counts of engaging in sexual conduct by force or threat of force. The indictment also includes 12 charges accusing Davis of engaging in sexual contact with a child under the age of 13, and 12 charges of engaging in sexual contact by force or the threat of force.

The court records available in the case do not indicate whether the allegations involve multiple victims. Court records say Davis' current address is in Pickaway County, but records reviewed by The Dispatch indicate Davis has previously lived in Ross County.

Davis is next scheduled to appear in court Aug. 26 for a preliminary hearing in Ross County.

smeighan@dispatch.com

@ShahidMeighan

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Franklin County deputy charged with rape terminated from sheriff's office