MOUNT VERNON — A Knox County grand jury has indicted a Fredericktown man on three counts of rape, one count of gross sexual imposition and one count of attempted rape.
Michael A. Heston, 58, allegedly committed the crimes between 2017 and 2025, according to the indictments.
The initial alleged rape, a first-degree felony, involved a victim less than 13 years of age in January 2017.
Another alleged rape occurred between July 7 and Aug. 17, 2025, and claims Heston engaged in sexual conduct with the victim and “purposely compelled [the victim] to submit by force or threat of force.”
The third alleged rape occurred between June 20 and June 22, 2025, prosecutors said.
On or about Dec. 25, 2024, Heston alo allegedly committed attempted rape, a second-degree felony.
In addition, Heston allegedly committed gross sexual imposition between Feb. 8, 2023, and Feb. 7, 2024, a fourth-degree felony, “by having sexual contact with [an individual that was] not his spouse.”
All counts listed on the indictment also included a specification that Heston is “a sexually violent predator.”
Heston is scheduled to be arraigned before Knox County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Wetzel on Wednesday.
Other grand jury indictments
The grand jury indicted nine others, too, including:
— Christopher L. Davis, Mount Vernon, aggravated possession of drugs, fifth-degree felony; bribery, third-degree felony.
— Marcus D. Hess, Mount Vernon, assault, first-degree misdemeanor; domestic violence, first-degree misdemeanor; strangulation, third-degree felony.
— Simon M. Boucher, Mount Vernon, possession of drugs, second-degree felony; forfeiture specification as to count one; possession of a fentanyl-related compound, third-degree felony; forfeiture specification as to count two; aggravated possession of drugs, fifth-degree felony; forfeiture specification as to count three.
— Billy R. McCall, Newark, possession of drugs, second-degree felony; forfeiture specification as to count one; possession of a fentanyl-related compound, third-degree felony; forfeiture specification as to count two; aggravated possession of drugs, fifth-degree felony; forfeiture specification as to count three; operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, first-degree misdemeanor.
— Matthew A. Moreland, Howard, felonious assault, second-degree felony.
— Trudy N. McFadden, Mount Vernon, aggravated possession of drugs, third-degree felony.
— J. Hunter Moore, Marysville, cruelty to a companion animal, fifth-degree felony; cruelty to a companion animal, fifth-degree felony.
— Jeremy M. Tice, New London, theft, first-degree misdemeanor; theft, fifth-degree felony.
— Paul D. Scott Jr., Orient, aggravated possession of drugs, fifth-degree felony.
Related reading
13 indicted in most recent Knox County grand jury session
MOUNT VERNON — A Knox County grand jury indicted 13 individuals during a recent session on charges ranging from alleged aggravated drug possession to vandalism. The cases are below. — Christopher L. Starmer, of Mount Vernon, aggravated possession of drugs, a third-degree felony. — Joy N. Taliaferro, of Howard, aggravated possession of drugs, a third-degree…
Walhonding women indicted on alleged aggravated arson charges
MOUNT VERNON — A Knox County grand jury, in its most recent session, indicted Linda L. Lee, 43, of Walhonding on two counts of alleged aggravated arson which occurred on or about Feb. 4. Although both charges involve aggravated arson, the court listed Count One as a first-degree felony and Count Two as a second-degree…
Fredericktown man indicted for alleged rape and attempted rape
MOUNT VERNON — A Knox County grand jury indicted Albert V. Stutzman, 48, of Fredericktown on two counts of alleged rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of gross sexual imposition during its most recent session. Below is a list of each charge with its corresponding severity: Count one allegedly occurred on or…