MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Marion City Councilman Ayers Ratliff, and his wife, Heidi Ratliff, entered not guilty pleas on Tuesday to a series of charges related to the alleged sexual assault of a teenager.

This marks the second occasion on which Ayers Ratliff has faced similar accusations. In an unusual turn of events, Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan accepted personal recognizance bonds on the couple. During his last attempt to prosecute, Ayers Ratliff, his bond was set at $500,000.

Ayers Ratliff is charged with rape, abduction, and gross sexual imposition, while Heidi Ratliff faces first-time charges of obstructing justice, endangering children, and intimidating a victim. The charges arise in connection with the alleged rape of a teenage girl.

Previously, charges against Ayers Ratliff were dismissed in January, but he was indicted again in August, at which time his wife was also implicated in the allegations. 

In their respective arraignments, both defendants pleaded not guilty.

Rocky Ratliff, Ayers’ attorney and first cousin, described the situation as a “total attack on him and who he is in the community.”

During the court proceedings, the alleged victim addressed the judge, asserting that she was never assaulted.

The prosecutor responded by asserting that victims sometimes deny the violence that occurred.

Following the dismissal of previous charges, Ayers Ratliff and Heidi jointly initiated a civil lawsuit alleging that the accusations were politically motivated.

A judge granted a recognizance bond for both defendants as their cases move toward trial. “I’m over 100% confident of a not guilty finding,” Rocky Ratliff stated. “We’re going to prove his innocence. This is catastrophic to my family, to him, to everyone here in Marion. It’s ridiculous.”

Grogan was recently dealt another defeat in his bid to put the lawsuit on hold after he filed a motion to “stay” the civil trial until the completion of the criminal trial. The court denied his motion and ordered that the civil case proceed.

On September 2nd, retired Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Daniel Hogan was assigned to preside over the current case after Judge Matthew Frericks recused himself from the case in late August.

Ayers Ratliff continues to serve as a council member representing Marion’s 2nd Ward.