CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Rufus Lowman Jr., a former Chillicothe physician assistant accused in a child sexual abuse case, remains in custody in Ross County as he awaits transfer to authorities in Florida.
According to court records, Lowman has waived extradition to Lee County, Florida. By waiving extradition, he will not contest the transfer and can be transported directly to Florida once arrangements are finalized.
In Ross County, Lowman is also charged with being a fugitive from justice, a charge that carries a $200,000 cash or surety bond. Despite that bond, he remains in custody and will be turned over to Florida officials.
The case stems from allegations that Lowman sexually abused a family member over nearly a decade. According to information obtained by investigators, the Ross County Sheriff’s Office was aware of the allegations in 2015 and had access to both a victim statement and a reported audio confession from Lowman detailing the abuse. Despite that, the case was not pursued by local authorities. It was not until a two-year investigation by the Guardian and subsequent contact with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office that charges were ultimately pursued in Florida. The victim’s family told the Guardian they are grateful for the coverage and the work that led to Lowman’s arrest.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding when the transfer will occur.
This remains a developing case.