$1.5 million bond set for southern Indiana man charged with rape, child molestation

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- Jonathan Rodewig Jr. appeared in court Tuesday on rape and child molestation charges in Floyd County, where a judge set his bond at $1.5 million.

The 23-year-old has similar charges for separate cases in two southern Indiana counties. The Charlestown Police Department said Monday that Rodewig Jr., of New Albany, was arrested in August after he was found driving around a girl who was reported missing. Charlestown officers smelled marijuana in the car, recovered drug evidence and arrested him.

In a subsequent investigation, police said they conducted search warrants which revealed "evidence of sexually explicit communications and videos involving the juvenile victim." Presumably, the videos involve the same girl Rodewig Jr. was found with during the traffic stop.

Rodewig Jr. was then charged with:

Rape
Promotion of Child Sexual Trafficking
Child Exploitation
Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
Possession of Marijuana
False Informing, Class B Misdemeanor

An arrest warrant was issued for him, but he was already in custody in Floyd County on a $1 million bond on similar charges in unrelated cases. Court records accuse Rodewig Jr. of luring one victim to his home and sexually assaulting her despite her repeated attempts to refuse. He's also accused of raping a 12-year-old girl at his home.

"Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community is at the core of our mission," Detective Sgt. Crace said in a social media post Monday. "This case demonstrates the ongoing dangers posed by online exploitation and the importance of swift reporting and cooperation between families, law enforcement, and our partner agencies."

In court Tuesday, the prosecution requested Rodewig Jr.'s bond be raised to $1.5 million bond, which led to a tense exchange.

Rodewig Jr.: "If you want to raise it, you can."

Floyd County Circuit Court Judge Justin Brown: "I don't need your permission to do anything, Mr. Rodewig."

Brown set his bond at $1.5 million, entered a not guilty plea for Rodewig Jr. and appointed him a public defender.

Police believe Rodewig Jr. may have other victims. They urge anyone who has any information to contact police.

$1.5 million bond set for southern Indiana man charged with rape, child molestation