Ex-police officer pleads not guilty to rape charge

12/2/2006

BOWLING GREEN A former Perrysburg Township police officer pleaded not guilty in Wood County Common Pleas Court yesterday to one count of rape.

Richard Solether, 39, of 10251 Barlow Crossing was indicted last month on the first-degree felony stemming from an incident that occurred Aug. 21 while he was off duty. Perrysburg Township fired him the day after the indictment was filed.

In court yesterday, Judge Alan Mayberry granted a recognizance bond for Mr. Solether and ordered him to have no contact with the victim. A pretrial hearing was scheduled for Jan. 19.