Staff ReporterA man has been arrested after his step-granddaughter posted a Snapchat video of herself being raped while she was drunk.
Her friends saw the video and contacted police in Marblehead, Ohio, leading to the arrest and charging of James Allen, 77, on Tuesday morning.
The 20-year-old victim, who cannot be identified, is being supported by officers after authorities discovered the unwanted sexual conduct.
Ottawa County Prosecutor James VanEerten says he believes the video clearly shows a sexual assault taking place.
He says it’s unclear whether the young woman live-streamed the attack or posted the video shortly after.
Police in Danbury Township near Marblehead say they arrested the 77-year-old on a rape charge on Tuesday, the day the video was posted.
Allen is being held on a $1 million bond. He appeared in court Wednesday and told a judge he didn’t have an attorney but plans on hiring one.
VanEerten says it appears the woman was impaired while recording the video and Allen is said to have plied her with alcohol before the attack.
VanEerten added that people should stop sharing the video on social media.
Police went to Allen’s house after being called by a friend concerned for the young woman’s welfare.
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When they arrived, they could see nothing untoward and they went to her bedroom. They said that both Allen and his alleged victim appeared impaired, but otherwise fine.
The friend then called police again at 3.45am saying that he had seen the video on Snapchat so police reviewed the footage and visited the house again and he was arrested.
