Indianapolis man accused of rape

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GREENFIELD — An Indianapolis man is facing felony charges of rape and sexual misconduct against a girl who lives in Hancock County stemming from an incident in late February.

Denver Banning, 18, was arrested Tuesday and charged with two counts of Level 3 felony rape when compelled by force or imminent threat of force; and two counts of Level 5 felony sexual misconduct with a minor.

The case was reported to the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department by the girl’s family.

The incident took place in the early-morning hours of Feb. 27, according to an affidavit. Banning and girl know each other. The girl told a detective Banning had forced himself on her against her will.

The girl was taken to Community Hospital in Anderson, where a sexual assault examination kit was completed on Feb. 28. An interview with officials from the Department of Child Services was also set for the same day at the sheriff’s department.

Banning was interviewed by a detective in mid-March, records show. He told police he had sex with the girl after they vaped and wrestled around. He said their encounter was consensual.

Banning is facing up to 16 years in prison for each of the Level 3 felonies, and as much as six years for each of the Level 5 felony charges.

He appeared Tuesday before Judge Scott Sirk in Hancock Circuit Court, where a not-guilty plea was entered. The judge set bond at $25,000 cash. A pretrial conference has been set for Aug. 15 with a trial date scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Oct. 22.