Man arraigned for alleged rape of 10-year old girl

POMEROY, Ohio – Edward Rowlands was arraigned on a rape charge in the Meigs County Court of Common Pleas March 30, 2017.

Rowlands, 37, of Somerset, Kentucky allegedly raped his adoptive daughter who was at the time 10-years old while camping at a festival at a private campground in the county. He was indicted Feb. 15, 2017 by a Meigs County Grand Jury on one count of Rape, a felony of the first degree, and one count of Sexual Battery, a felony of the second degree.

Rowlands allegedly took the victim to Wisteria Event Site and Campground in 2015. At the time Rowlands and the alleged victim were camping in a tent June 18-21, 2015 which is the Summer Solstice. Wisteria Event Site and Campground, a private campground, holds a large annual gathering during the Summer Solstice. The incident that allegedly took place in Meigs County came to light following an investigation from Kentucky State Police. The child has been removed from his custody.

Meigs County Prosecuting Attorney James Stanley asked Judge I. Carson Crow to set the bond for Rowlands at $250,000. Lisa Wells, Rowlands attorney, argued that Rowlands faces charges in Kentucky and will be transferred there once he is released from Meigs County custody. Judge Crow, however, set the bond at $250,000 with 10 percent down.

Rowlands faces similar charges in Pulaski County, Kentucky all of which involve alleged sexual abuse or acts with a minor under 16.

Tentatively a change of plea hearing is scheduled for May 1, 2017 in the Meigs County Common Pleas Court. If Rowlands changes his plea to guilty, he could be sentenced at that time. He would still face the other charges in Kentucky.