Editor’s Note: This article discusses topics of rape or sexual assault that may be upsetting. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, resources and support are available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or at 1-800-656-4673.
NEW WHITELAND, Ind. A 16-year-old from Johnson County is facing charges including rape and strangulation after an incident on Tuesday morning in New Whiteland.
According to court documents, a 79-year-old woman was raped while unloading groceries.
“The case will be filed directly in adult court,” stated Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner. “There will be no waiver hearing. It’s proceeding straight to adult court.”
According to New Whiteland police, the assault took place around 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the home of a 79-year-old victim. Court reports show that the woman was bringing groceries into her house when the teenager reportedly approached and grabbed her.
In an attempt to protect herself, the victim told authorities she requested the suspect, Ariahn Smith, to join her in prayer. However, once the prayer concluded, the victim claimed Smith seized her by the throat and dragged her into a backroom where he is accused of raping her.
Court documents indicate that New Whiteland police were already nearby investigating a vape theft from a neighboring gas station when they were alerted about the alleged sexual assault.
Police ended up confirming the two cases were connected, as Smith matched descriptions of the suspect who stole a vape from the Sonoco gas station on U.S. 31.
If convicted of rape as a Level 3 felony, Smith could face up to 16 years in prison.
“I do think that a lot of young people think they can commit any crime they want and get lenient treatment in a juvenile court. That doesn’t happen when they start to do grown-up crimes like this,” said Hamner.
The woman has been released from the hospital and is now recovering at home.
Meanwhile, Smith is being held in jail on a $250,000 cash bond.
