A West Mansfield man could be facing life in prison, charged with repeatedly raping a child.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted Zachary Lee Edwards, 23, of 140 S. Main St., W. Mansfield, charging him with nine counts of rape, all felonies of the first degree. Because Edwards used force, or the threat of force, and because the victim was only 12 years old at the time of many of the acts, Edwards could face multiple life sentences in prison.
Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips said the victim was a relative of Edwards’ wife. He said Edwards had “frequent contact” with the girl.
Phillips stressed the conduct “was certainly not consensual.”
According to court documents, between August of 2018 and April 2020, Edwards repeatedly raped the child, forcing her to “submit by force or threat of force.”
Phillips said that in a case where there is a child this age, “it does not take a lot of force, just enough to overcome her” adding that, “it does not need to be physical” but can be “subtle and psychological.”
Phillips said it is not uncommon for a child to be reluctant to talk about abuse because they are afraid or embarrassed.
Phillips said the girl eventually became scared that she was pregnant and went to her mother.
“Obviously, that led to the investigation and to the arrest,” Phillips said.
He said it is important that when a child does come forward to a friend or an adult, law enforcement is contacted.
“We take these allegations very seriously and they are a top priority for investigation and prosecution,” Phillips said. “We will do whatever we can to protect the child and make sure justice is done.”
Also indicted was:
– Joshua G. Perdue, 40, of 18017 Brown School Road. Perdue is charged with one count of theft of drugs.
According to court documents, on Aug. 31, Perdue was working as a hospice nurse. He is accused of stealing pain medications from a 95-year-old man receiving hospice care.
“Obviously, if an individual is in hospice, they deserve to have access to the medications they need to help them deal with pain,” Phillips said.
The prosecutor said there is video surveillance in the home that “proved to be helpful in the investigation.”
Phillips said this type of case is “difficult because you trust caregivers.”
If convicted, Perdue could face as many as 18 months in prison.
– Emily Brenna Olvera, 25, of Delaware. Olvera is charged with one count each of aggravated possession of drugs and possession of drugs.
According to court documents, about 5:29 a.m. April 4, Olvera was driving east on Chestnut Street in Marysville when she hit a parked car. She told police that she fell asleep. While investigators spoke with the woman, they noticed the smell of marijuana. According to court documents, the woman was acting suspicious and police conducted a probable cause search of her car. Investigators allegedly found marijuana, amphetamines and paraphernalia.
If convicted, Olvera could face as many as 18 months in prison.
– Demontay De Quinn Liles, 24, of Lima. Quinn is charged with one count of receiving stolen property.
According to court documents, about 5:07 p.m. Aug. 29, Liles was driving west on U.S. 33 when he was pulled over for a headlight violation.
As officials began to talk with the man, it was learned that his license to drive was under suspension.
Liles also told police he had a gun in the vehicle. Officials said police found the gun on the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Investigators learned the gun, a 9-mm handgun, had been reported as stolen in Lima.