Williams County man indicted on multiple rape charges involving children
9/18/2013
Bignell.
BRYAN -- A Williams County man has been indicted in multiple incidents in which three children were raped from 1999 to 2010, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today.
On Tuesday, a Williams County grand jury indicted Daniel Bignell, 40, on five rape charges, two attempted rape charges, four charges of gross sexual imposition, and three kidnapping charges that each carried a sexual motivation specification. He is being held in the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio pending his initial court appearance Thursday in Williams County Common Pleas Court.
The crimes allegedly began when the children were 13 years old or younger. The Williams County Sheriff's Office began investigating the case when one of the victims, who is now an adult, came forward.
"We applaud the bravery of all the victims in this case," said Mr. DeWine. "It takes extreme courage for victims to come forward after years of abuse."
If convicted, the suspect could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Bryan, the seat of Williams County, is about 55 miles west of Toledo.