The man suspected of sexually assaulting at least six Ohio State students is now officially charged with rape.
Kennedy Wheeler, 41, was charged yesterday in connection with a Jan. 6 sexual assault that occurred in the area of Olentangy River and Ackerman roads.
In a press conference held yesterday, representatives from the Columbus Division of Police announced they consider Wheeler a “strong suspect” in not only the six rapes that occurred in the University District from May through September, but also in seven which have transpired on the North Side since December.
“There are enough similarities between the (two series of rapes) that we believe we have the right person, but we can’t say for sure,” said Cmdr. Paul Denton.
While all 13 attacks are still under investigation, prosecutors charged Wheeler with the Jan. 6 rape — just three days after arresting him on lesser charges — because evidence in connection with that attack was compelling enough to ensure the defendant would remain incarcerated, Denton said.
Wheeler was arraigned Wednesday on charges of drug possession and receiving stolen property, and bond was set at $500,000 by Judge Janet Grubb. After the arraignment today at 9 a.m. in Franklin County Municipal Court, bond may be set higher, said Lt. Mary Kerins. Police and prosecutors will meet before the hearing begins to discuss whether a higher bond should be sought.
Representatives from the Columbus police declined to comment on the progress of the investigations, except to confirm that the North Side attacks yielded better evidence than those in the University District. DNA evidence is still being analyzed and not all of the victims have been consulted since Wheeler’s arrest.
Divulging additional information, including Wheeler’s exact likeness, could corrupt the procedure, said Sgt. Brent Mull, spokesman for the Columbus police. Media outlets have been asked not to reveal pictures of the defendant’s face.
Wheeler was convicted of attempted rape in the 1980s and served seven years in prison before being paroled in 1993. His police record in Cleveland includes grand theft, trespassing and aggravated burglary.
Columbus police began tracking Wheeler after he was caught on surveillance video attempting to use a stolen bank card Jan. 3. The defendant was confronted by Columbus police Monday when an undercover officer spotted him trying to use another stolen card. He subsequently led officers on a foot chase before he was apprehended in a field adjacent to Don Scott Airport.
