Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost could have simply reviewed Columbus Police Department logs to corroborate the 10-year-old rape story

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost Could Have Verified 10-Year-Old Rape Case Through Columbus Police Logs

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost faced sharp criticism in 2022 after publicly questioning the existence of a 10-year-old rape victim whose case gained national attention. The child, who traveled to Indiana for an abortion due to Ohio’s post-Roe restrictions, was later confirmed to be a real victim, and the perpetrator was arrested. Critics argue that Yost could have easily avoided casting doubt on the story by checking the Columbus Police Department’s incident logs — an investigative step well within his reach as the state’s top law enforcement officer.

Columbus police maintain detailed daily and weekly incident reports, many of which are public records. These logs often include case numbers, basic descriptions, and dates for reported sexual assaults. While victim names are withheld to protect privacy, the existence of a case can be verified through these records without jeopardizing confidentiality.

Instead of conducting such verification, Yost appeared on national television suggesting there was “not a whisper” of evidence the crime occurred. Days later, Columbus police arrested a suspect and confirmed the case details — undermining Yost’s statements and raising questions about whether political motives influenced his public comments.

The controversy highlights a broader issue: elected officials wield significant influence over public perception, and careless statements — especially regarding sensitive crimes — can erode trust in law enforcement and retraumatize victims. When straightforward investigative tools like police logs are available, officials have a responsibility to use them before making definitive claims.

In this case, the records were there. The victim was real. The crime was real. And the damage done by prematurely casting doubt cannot be undone. Ohioans deserve leaders who prioritize truth and thoroughness over political posturing.