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Greencastle man, 24, facing sexual battery allegations
A 24-year-old Greencastle man is due in Putnam Circuit Court to answer charges of sexual battery, a Level 6 felony, as a result of a May 5 incident at a South Jackson Street residence.
Rathal M. Moore is lodged in the Putnam County Jail, awaiting an appearance before Judge Matthew Headley in a case that could result in a sentence of six months to 2-1/2 years in prison.
Sexual battery can be charged when a person acts with intent to arouse or satisfy his own sexual desire by compelling another person to submit to the act or acts.
The alleged incident occurred while the 28-year-old reported victim and Moore were alone together at his girlfriend’s house after the girlfriend had left for work.
The victim was taking a shower when Moore reportedly went in to use the bathroom twice before going into the bedroom and texting a suggestive message to the woman.
Indiana State Police investigators said the defendant returned to the bathroom and pulled his pants down in an effort to have sexual relations with the woman, who reportedly kept telling him no.
The probable cause affidavit in the case indicated Moore then grabbed her by the back of the head and forced her to submit to oral sex.
The alleged victim told police she was scared because she did not know what Moore was capable of.
After he left for work, he reportedly tried calling and texting her but she ignored him and contacted police to make a report.
Moore told authorities he sent the suggestive text as a joke and that he and the alleged victim only interacted by bumping elbows and other silliness as they brushed their teeth beside each other before leaving for work.
The case was investigated by ISP Det. Don Curtis. Assisting were ISP Det. Sgt. Sam Stearley, Indiana State Police Laboratory Division and the Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office.