BGSU associate professor Timothy Davis was indicted by the Lucas County Common Pleas Court last month for three counts of first-degree rape of a minor.
First-degree rape is considered having non-consensual sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of 13, according to the Ohio Revised Code. This felony can carry jail sentences of three to 11 years and up to a $20,000 fine; however, Davis could face a life sentence without parole because his alleged victim was a child younger than 10 years old as determined by the grand jury.
Davis pleaded not guilty to the allegations in indictments by the Lucas County Grand Jury. The charges are for incidents that allegedly occurred between March 1 and Aug. 8, 2021. Davis is in Lucas County Corrections Center where his bond is held at $200,000 per charge, totaling $600,000 at no 10% bail.
Police arrested Davis on Sept. 8 at 3 p.m., according to Corrections Center records, and booked him at 5:11 p.m. Davis, who teaches biological sciences at BGSU, was part of an Ohio State University-hosted conference as a guest speaker the morning of his arrest.
BGSU has previously recognized Davis for his research on algal blooms in Lake Erie. In May 2019, he received the Gears of Government President’s Award in Washington, D.C. for “significantly advancing rapid and remote detection of harmful algal bloom toxins,” according to a BGSU press release.
He is also listed on BGSU’s website as a researcher with the Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health, a BGSU-based project that partners nationally with nine universities to study various facets of algal blooms. His work has been published in various research journals, with the most recent journal article published shortly after his arrest.
In a statement from the university, BGSU Spokesperson Alex Solis addressed the indictments.
“The university has placed this employee on paid leave, pending an investigation. BGSU has no further comment regarding this personnel matter,” Solis said.
BGSU has yet to submit a statement to the faculty or students of the university and have placed Davis on paid leave or suspension, depending on what the university’s investigation brings to light.
On Sept. 9, Chair of the BGSU Department of Biological Sciences Juan Bouzat sent an email to students in Davis’ microbiology course regarding its cancelation for the following day. Bouzat cited an “emergency” as the reason for Davis’ absence and that class would resume the following week.
Judge Gary G. Cook approved a request by the defendant during the hearing on Oct. 6 to allow more time for preparation of a defense. Davis will appear in court again on Oct. 27.
