A high-ranking officer within the Ohio National Guard, Steven Vicario, faces serious charges, including three counts of rape, gross sexual imposition, and tampering with evidence, leading to his incarceration in the Delaware County jail.
Vicario, 40, holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Ohio National Guard and is employed full-time at Joint Force headquarters as a mobilization officer. He previously commanded the 211th Maintenance Company from 2013 to 2016.
Following a secret indictment by the Delaware County grand jury last week, Vicario was apprehended on Friday and is slated to appear in court on Wednesday.
The charges stem from an incident reported to Delaware Police in November, where an adult brought their child to the station, alleging that Vicario had raped her in their Delaware residence. Medical examinations conducted at two hospitals corroborated the allegations, revealing instances of assault occurring in both October and November.
According to the complainant, Vicario maintained a substantial arsenal of up to 50 firearms in the home, with three perpetually loaded.
A spokesperson for the Ohio National Guard confirmed that Vicario is considered absent without leave (AWOL) and will not receive compensation during his absence.
Delaware County prosecutors opted for a secret indictment to safeguard the integrity of the case and prevent Vicario from being forewarned of his impending arrest.