Marion City Council Member Indicted for Rape Involving 13-Year-Old Child; Wife Also Indicted on Related Charges

MARION, OHIO AUGUST 28, 2025- A Marion County Grand Jury this week handed up felony indictments against Ayers Ratliff for raping a 13 year old child and also against his wife Heidi Ratliff for her involvement in illegal events surrounding her husband’s crimes. Both Ratliffs are residents of the city of Marion.

Grand jurors reviewed evidence and determined that there was probable cause to believe that Ayers Ratliff committed the following felonies:

1. Rape (1st Degree Felony)

2. Gross Sexual Imposition (4th Degree Felony)

3. Gross Sexual Imposition (4th Degree Felony)

4. Gross Sexual Imposition (4th Degree Felony)

5. Abduction (3rd Degree Felony)

Grand jurors reviewed evidence and further determined that there was probable cause to believe that Heidi Ratliff committed the following felonies and misdemeanors:

1. Obstructing of Justice (3rd Degree Felony)

2. Obstructing of Justice (3rd Degree Felony)

3. Endangering Children (1st Degree Misdemeanor)

4. Endangering Children (1st Degree Misdemeanor)

5. Intimidation of a Victim (1st Degree Misdemeanor)

Ayers Ratliff was indicted for Rape, Abduction, and a single count of Gross Sexual Imposition by a previous grand jury. Those three charges were voluntarily dismissed with intent to refile precisely because investigators and prosecutors uncovered additional evidence, including evidence of other crimes. This dismissal for additional time to investigate — which was recognized and approved by the Court — allowed the Grand Jury to review and indict the new crimes that are reflected in the charges brought this week.

In a public statement following the indictments, Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan commended law enforcement and the Grand Jury for their professionalism and diligence. “Careful evidence gathering and a thorough investigation by the Marion Police Department and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation gave the citizens serving on the grand jury the evidence they needed to indict the original three charges and seven new charges,” Grogan said,

The child victim is known to the family and Grogan expressed concern for her wellbeing.

“The Intimidation of a Victim charge advanced by the Grand Jury suggests this child was subjected to improper intimidation after she told others about the rape committed against her,” Grogan said. “That’s why we will ask the Court to enter pre-trial orders to ensure that such intimidation will not continue.”

“We know the public wants to know more about this important case,” Grogan concluded. “While I have an obligation to operate this public office with transparency and all the filings are part of the public record, I am limited by court rules from releasing additional details. But I can say this: we’ll have a lot to show the jury when Ayers Ratliff and Heidi Ratliff stand before the bar of justice.”

Grogan will prosecute the case with Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark R. Weaver.

Ayers Ratliff serves as a City Council Member in Marion, but investigators did not find any evidence to indicate that the crimes alleged were connected with his public office.

By law, all defendants, including these defendants, are presumed innocent.