ARNOLD
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A local man is facing rape and other sex-related charges.
A Union County Grand Jury has indicted Max William Arnold, 30, of 628 Kenny Lane, Marysville. He is charged with two counts of rape along with one count each of sexual battery, possessing criminal tools and soliciting.
Deputy Chief Tony Brooks of the Marysville Police Department said Arnold knew the victim. He said they had been acquaintances for several years and began communicating on social media about a year ago. On April 27, Arnold and the victim met in Columbus.
“This was the first instance when they met up at an establishment,” Brooks said.
He said the two were drinking and came back to the man’s home in Marysville, where they continued to drink.
“At some point, the victim became so impaired that she passed out,” Brooks said.
According to court documents, over a period of time, Arnold allegedly raped the woman several times, inserting a variety of items inside her.
“There is some evidence this was a violent encounter,” said Union County Prosecutor Dave Phillips.
When the victim awoke, about 4:48 a.m., April 28, she contacted police, who went to the man’s home and met with both Arnold and the victim.
“She claimed it was rape. He claimed it was consensual,” Brooks said.
The victim was taken to Dublin Methodist Hospital.
“Over the course of our investigation, we developed probable cause to believe a rape did occur,” Brooks said.
Det. Katie Archer of the Marysville Division of Police said as police investigated the allegation, they learned of another incident earlier on April 27.
“We learned that he had requested sexual favors from a woman in exchange for money,” Archer said.
She said the woman did not perform the favors and she was not the eventual rape victim.
“We don’t know how well he may or may not have know this woman,” Archer said.
Brooks said that acquaintance rape allegations are difficult because it can often come down to the victim’s word against the defendant’s word. He said that makes it important for the police to investigate thoroughly to supply evidence to a potential jury.
“Some of these cases are more time consuming,” Brooks said. “There is a lot more evidence that needs collected. There is a lot more investigation that needs done. There are a lot more interviews that need conducted.”
If convicted, Arnold could face more than 26 years in prison.
Also indicted were:
– Donald J. Wilson, 63, of Toledo. Wilson is charged with one count of receiving stolen property stemming from a July 3 incident. According to court documents, on July 3, Wilson took a U-Haul truck from a local dealer. If convicted, Wilson could face as many as 18 months in prison.
– Jeremy Lynn Larrick, 45, of 323 S. Walnut St., Marysville. Larrick is charged with one count of breaking and entering and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. According to court documents, on May 25, Larrick allegedly broke into a building, owned by a local man, and took a vehicle. If convicted, on both charges, Larrick could face as many as 18 months in prison.
– Austin T. Crain, 25, of 739 W. Fourth St., Marysville. Crain is charged with one count of domestic violence. According to court documents, on May 25, Crain was in the 1200 block of W. Fifth Street and allegedly attacked a woman. Domestic violence is generally charged as a misdemeanor offense. After an individual is convicted of domestic violence or a similar offense, future allegations are charged as felonies. If convicted, Crain could face as many as 18 months in prison.