MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—In a startling turn of events, Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan has secured indictments not only against Marion City Councilman Ayers Ratliff, but his wife, Heidi just weeks after the couple filed a lawsuit against Grogan and his assistant prosecutors, Dave Stamolis and Mark Weaver, seeking over $25,000 in damages.
The indictments have raised eyebrows and led to accusations that Grogan’s actions are an act of retaliation disguised as a pursuit of justice.
Previously, charges against Ayers Ratliff had been dismissed by Judge Matthew Frericks who granted Grogan’s request for dismissal over Ratliff’s objection and willingness to proceed to trial, allowing Ratliff to be released from bond without prejudice—leaving open the possibility of future charges. Before the new indictments were announced, the Ratliff Law Firm had alerted Grogan’s attorneys about their expert findings forensically proving Ayers Ratliff’s innocence in a case involving alleged rape.
The attorneys referenced several expert reports in their communication, including a forensic DNA analysis by Dr. Julie Heinig, which stated that Ratliff could not have been a contributor to the DNA tied to the allegations.
Other reports also highlighted inconsistencies in the SANE exam conducted on the alleged victim, further supporting the assertion of Ratliff’s innocence.
Despite the substantial evidence provided by the Ratliffs’ legal team, including requests to present this evidence to the Grand Jury, their pleas went unheard, which has led to concerns over the fairness of the proceedings.
Heidi Ratliff now faces a five-count indictment, including two third-degree felony charges of obstructing justice and three misdemeanor charges of endangerment. Meanwhile, Ayers Ratliff is yet again charged with rape, abduction, and three counts of gross sexual imposition.
The Ratliffs’ attorneys argue that these allegations are in retaliation for the Ratliffs’ lawsuit against Grogan in Federal Court, as well as retribution for Ayers Ratliff’s vocal criticisms of municipal expenditures and other local governance issues. With a lengthy tenure as a councilman, Ratliff has served on the Finance Committee and raised questions regarding budget allocations for the municipal court and police department, particularly under the leadership of current Mayor and former Police Chief Bill Collins.
The Ratliffs are scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Tuesday at the Marion County Common Pleas Court.
Marion County Now has reached out to Prosecutor Grogan for comment and will continue to monitor this unfolding case.