CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — A Clarksburg man was found guilty this week of raping a 17-year-old girl last summer.
Jacob Bennett, 26, was charged with first-degree felony rape after the teenager said that on July 21 Bennett raped her outside at a home in Clarksburg.
The girl testified that she and a group of friends, along with Bennett, were outside playing a game of hide-and-seek, when everyone went inside the house except she and Bennett. She testified that the two started talking and reminiscing, before Bennett started rubbing her back and touching her shoulders, which made her uncomfortable. The teen said that’s when Bennett kissed her, pulled her pants down, and started performing sex acts on her. She testified that when she tried to pull away, Bennett grabbed her arm.
Bennett’s attorney, Ben Partee, argued that the sex was consensual and that the two had a longstanding relationship, even though Bennett was married. The age of consent in Ohio is 16-years-old.
The prosection, however, entered text messages into evidence that reportedly were sent by Bennett where he allegedly texted the victim apologizing for “forcing himself” on the victim and even said, “I basically raped you.” Other messages reportedly were sent to her that said, “please wake up in the morning, please don’t do anything stupid,”
Bennett was ordered into custody after the guilty verdict on Tuesday. His sentencing will be held on June 9. Partee said he expects an appeal will be filed.