A former Fayette County Deputy Sheriff will not be charged with sexual misconduct after prosecutors say there was not enough evidence to indict and that there were inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s story.
The man, who is a local real estate agent and at the time of the claim, a Fayette County Sheriff Deputy came under investigation earlier this year after his teenage babysitter accused him of an inappropriate sexual relationship, including rape.
The former deputy — who the Guardian is not naming due to no charges being filed — was cleared by prosecutors in letters dated last week.
Fayette County Prosecutor Jess Weade referred the case to Pickaway County Prosecutor Judy Wolford because as county prosecutor, Weade has represented the deputy at the Sheriff’s office and in private business matters.
Wolford wrote in a letter to the Washington Court House Police Department that there were inconsistencies in the claims made by the babysitter and that there was no evidence to back up her allegations.
“At this point, the case is a he said/she said situation,” Wolford said. “Assuming something illegal did happen….we would be unable to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Wolford said that when she reviewed the evidence, the claims made by the girl did not match up.
In the initial report, the girl said she was taking a shower at the former deputy’s house because her water heater was broken. She said after she got out of the shower and was getting dressed in the bathroom, the deputy walked in and raped her.
“Aside from the fact that there is no physical evidence, [the victim] has some inconsistencies in her version of the facts during each interview conducted,” Wolford wrote. “Additionally, we were provided a diary and a number of text messages. No where in the diary is there mention of kissing or handholding, let alone sexual activity. The text messages are similar in nature. There is absolutely nothing in them that points to anything of a romantic nature between the two.”
In her letter to the police department, Wolford said she would not be prosecuting the case.
A message left with the former deputy seeking comment for this story was not returned.
Fayette County Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth said the deputy handed in his resignation in May when the investigation broke.
If you or someone you know has been victim of sexual assault help is a available 24/7 by calling (800) 656-HOPE (4673).