A Hillsboro man is facing a felony charge for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor following an incident that allegedly happened at a local park.
According to an affidavit filed with the Hillsboro Municipal Court, the 15-year old alleged victim spoke with the Hillsboro Police Department while at Highland District Hospital on Thursday. She had “reported being raped,” the affidavit added.
She reportedly told the officer that, on Tuesday, she was on her way to the Hillsboro City Park on Railroad Street while looking for her dog.
At that time, according to the affidavit, Austin LaVan, 20, reportedly met her and “walked with her to the park to help her look for her dog,” the affidavit stated.
The affidavit added that, while at the park, according to the alleged victim, LaVan allegedly “pinned her down with his hands and legs” and forced her to have sex.
The girl said she then ran home, and “went from H.D.H. to Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati for evaluation,” according to the affidavit.
On Friday, the officer met with LaVan, who allegedly said that there had been “sexual talk” over Facebook messaging between himself and the teenager, the affidavit stated. He also allegedly stated that “they (had) met in the park to smoke marijuana,” according to the affidavit.
The affidavit states that LaVan described sexual contact with the teenager, but his description did not include the use of force. LaVan stated that “after they were done he walked her back to her house and left.”
LaVan was charged with fourth-degree felony unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. He appeared on that charge in municipal court on Friday.
A preliminary hearing is set for next week. LaVan’s bond is set at $10,000. If he posts that bond, he will be on electronic monitoring house arrest.
While the case is pending, LaVan is ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim. He must also report to the probation department.
Reach Sarah Allen at 937-393-3456, ext. 1680, or on Twitter @SarahAllenHTG.
