FAYETTE COUNTY, Ohio — A retired Ohio Highway Patrol trooper from Washington Court House is accused of sexually abusing a child over a period of several years.
In April, Robert Ruth was indicted by a Fayette County Grand Jury on three counts of rape and one count of sexual battery. According to court documents, the alleged assaults involved a child under the age of 13 between 2001 and 2006.
During his first court appearance on April 22, Ruth was given a $100,000 bond but was released a few days later on his “own recognizance.” On Monday, he returned to court for an arraignment proceeding. The retired trooper pled not guilty to all charges.
Fayette County Prosecutor Jess Weade told the Guardian, “This is a serious case, and an allegation we don’t take lightly.”
If convicted, Ruth could spend the rest of his life behind bars.