South Toledo man pleads not guilty to rape and burglary

2/7/2008

A South Toledo man charged in the Jan. 11 rape of a woman in her home was arraigned yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Damon Miller, 33, of 5614 Ryewyck Drive pleaded not guilty to one count each of aggravated burglary and rape, each with a firearm specification. If convicted, Mr. Miller faces up to 26 years in prison.

Mr. Miller is in the county jail in lieu of a $200,000 bond set yesterday by Judge Gary Cook.

Mr. Miller was arrested Jan. 25 after a Toledo police officer noticed that he was acting in a suspicious manner. He was stopped after making an illegal U-turn and questioned.

The officer who took the initial rape report said she questioned Mr. Miller about the sexual assault. He denied involvement, but later voluntarily provided his DNA for police to compare with evidence recovered from the rape, authorities said.

Mr. Miller is accused of entering an apartment on Walnut Circle and raping the woman.