(BRYAN, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today that a Williams County man has been charged with raping three children over a period of 11 years.
A Williams County Grand Jury indicted Daniel Bignell, 40, on the following 14 charges:
- Rape, five counts
- Attempted Rape, two counts
- Gross Sexual Imposition, four counts
- Kidnapping, three counts
The crimes allegedly happened between 1999 and 2010 and began when the children were 13-years-old or younger. Each kidnapping count carries a sexual motivation specification.
Investigators with the Williams County Sheriff's Office began investigating the case after one of the victims, who is now an adult, came forward.
"We applaud the bravery of all the victims in this case," said Attorney General DeWine. "It takes extreme courage for victims to come forward after years of abuse."
If convicted, Bignell could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. He is currently in custody at the Williams County Jail.
The case is being prosecuted by attorneys from the Attorney General's Special Prosecutions Section.
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Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840