MARION, Ohio – Marion County grand jury has indicted a Marion police officer on multiple charges, including rape.
According to court records, 24-year-old Brendan Damron faces five felony counts: two counts of rape, two counts of gross sexual imposition, and one count of abduction. Damron was arrested in mid-February and later placed on administrative leave from the department.
Court documents allege that Damron forced himself on a woman after she told him to stop. The woman reportedly escaped into a bathroom, where Damron allegedly followed her and assaulted her again.
Marion Police Chief Jay McDonald released a statement following Damron’s arrest, emphasizing accountability within the department.
“The credibility of police depends on holding ourselves to the same legal standards as everyone else,” McDonald said. “I have faith that Sheriff Matt Bayles and County Prosecutor Ray Grogan will handle this investigation and prosecution fairly and according to the law.”
Damron’s attorney, Joel Spitzer, has asked the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to remove itself from the case. Sheriff Matt Bayles declined the request and criticized Spitzer for releasing text messages that he said could be taken out of context.
“In my opinion, this is a clear attempt to victim-blame and to shift responsibility onto the victim, which frankly disgusts me,” Bayles said. “No means no. I am immensely proud of the victim for coming forward and showing such courage.”
Damron is scheduled to be arraigned in Marion County Common Pleas Court at 1 p.m. Monday.