CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Following the Guardian’s investigation into the numerous allegations against a local Chillicothe medical provider, questions are mounting regarding the lack of formal criminal charges despite compelling evidence, including an alleged taped confession by Rufus Lowman Jr.
The Guardian’s investigation brought to light disturbing details, including Lowman’s medical license suspension for illegal prescription writing and allegations of child sexual abuse. Notably, the investigation included an initial police report and an alleged audio confession where a man, reportedly Lowman, graphically describes the sexual abuse of a child. A written witness statement from the girl corroborates these allegations, stating that the abuse began when she was just 10 years old.
According to the victim’s statement to the Ross County Sheriff’s Office in 2015, Lowman allegedly subjected her to years of abuse, manipulating her by promising a cell phone in exchange for enduring the molestation and rape. The victim’s mother provided a separate statement claiming that when confronted, Lowman blamed the young victim, asserting she initiated the sexual encounters.
Despite the accumulation of evidence, including the victim’s detailed account and the purported audio confession, Lowman has not been criminally charged and remains free. His medical license has been suspended. A sign reading “Temporarily Closed” is taped to the front door of his practice, Rose Medical Clinic at 14 Health Drive in Chillicothe.
This case has raised significant concerns within the community and prompted questions about the handling of the case by local authorities. The Guardian reached out to the Ross County Sheriff’s Office and the Ross County Prosecutor for comments, but neither office has responded.
The case, under investigation since 2015, adds to a troubling pattern in Ross County, where there has been a noticeable rise in sexual assault cases. In the past 12 months alone, more than 90 sexual assault or abuse cases have been reported, with more than 40 still under investigation, according to local statistics.
Since the Guardian first broke the story on the allegations against Lowman, police in Florida have launched a formal criminal inquiry as well. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, the Guardian learned has launched a criminal investigation against Lowman for the alleged abuse that occurred within their jurisdiction before Lowman and the victim moved to Ohio. Under Florida law, Lowman could face the death penalty if charged and convicted.
As the community awaits further developments, the overarching question remains: Why has there been no formal action taken against Lowman despite the substantial evidence, including a confession that matches the victim’s statement?