MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Both the Defense and Prosecution have provided statements to Marion County Now after a jury reached a not guilty decision in the Ayers Ratliff trial. Ratliff, a former Marion City Councilman was facing significant prison time if convicted of charges including rape.

The Ratliff Law Office this statement exclusively to Marion County Now:

“Yesterday, Ayers Ratliff was acquitted of all charges that were wrongfully brought against him. For twenty months, Mr. Grogan has continued to attack the Ratliff family at every turn, as now Heidi Ratliff will go on trial for bogus charges begining February 17, 2026. Mr. Grogan’s lack of evidence and downright unprofessionalism is staggering. This has been, and always will be, an attempted hit job on a political adversary to gain Mr. Grogan some type of notoriety. 

Moreover, Mr. Grogan brough approximately 15 officers into the courtroom for closing arguments in a desperate attempt to intimidate the jury and disrupt the trial.

Mr. Grogan continues to manipulate the Grand Jury process by not sharing with them all the evidence involved. However, he cannot manipulate a Jury Trial as the Judge and opposing counsel are present.

Finally, Mr. Grogan’s comments regarding any sort of plea deal were not only disingenuous but were also a blatant attempt to embarrass and continue the harassment of Mr. Ratliff as these were confidential. Yet again, his breach of confidentiality is another example of his unethical behavior. Mr. Grogan knew that there was no path other than trial and JUSTICE for Ayers.”

Attorney Rocky Ratliff filed notice in the Marion County Common Pleas Court that he will be the counsel of record for Heidi Ratliff.

Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan provided this exclusive statement to Marion County Now:

“We respected the citizens who served on the grand jury, who brought these charges forward. We also respect the citizens on this trial jury, who worked hard and listened carefully over two weeks. This was always a difficult case because the victim has given varying accounts of what happened.

Originally, when Mr. Ratliff claimed innocence, we offered him the chance to take an independent polygraph examination and – if it showed he was telling the truth – we would dismiss all charges. He refused, which led to this trial. 

 As prosecutors, our job is to take the charges advanced by the grand jury and present the evidence to the trial jury. We did that. The jurors didn’t think there was enough evidence to meet the high burden of proof that our system requires. We thank them for their dedication to the legal process.”

Marion County Now will continue to follow the upcoming trial of Heidi Ratliff.