A Marion man could be facing more than two decades in prison after allegedly raping and kidnapping a local teen.
The Union County Grand Jury has indicted Jaden Michael Thomas Darst-Mullins, 18, of 375 Blaine Ave., Marion. Darst-Mullins is charged with two counts of rape and kidnapping.
Union County Prosecutor David Phillips said the victim, 14 at the time of the alleged rape, knew Darst-Mullins.
According to court documents, on Sept. 16, Darst-Mullins went to the girl’s home.
“The allegation is that he went into the victim’s bedroom, held her down and engaged in forcible sexual intercourse,” Phillips said.
He said the matter came to light when the girl told a boyfriend, who told family members which contacted the Marysville Division of Police.
“There was forensic evidence consistent with the allegation,” Phillips said.
The prosecutor explained that kidnapping does not always mean taking someone, it can mean holding them against their will. He said it is “the restraint” in this case that led to kidnapping charges against Darst-Mullins.
While there are two rape and two kidnapping charges against Darst-Mullins and a jury can convict on all of them, because they all involve the same incident, he can only be sentenced on one count of each.
Phillips said that while the offender “hiding in the bushes” is a danger, “but not as much of a risk as people who are known to and have access to children.”
He said that, “the majority of child sexual cases, it is a known person or relative who is the perpetrator.”
The prosecutor said it is “important to always be attentive.”
“These things happen in secret so it is difficult to know,” Phillips said. “Often times the child is threatened and scared. And, often they know and care for the person so they don’t say anything because they don’t want to get the person in trouble.”
He said parents need to watch their children, know who they are with and watch for changes in behavior of emotions which, “can be red flags.”
“Talk to your children and make sure that can talk to you and tell you when something like this happens,” Phillips said.