Franklin County Jury Finds Darrell Rodgers Jr. Guilty of Rape, Robbery and Kidnapping

Posted on 9/5/2023

Defendant: Darrell Rodgers Jr.

The Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office secured a guilty verdict Aug. 31 in the rape, robbery and kidnapping case against Darrell Rodgers Jr., 24, of Columbus. Thomas Vaccaro, assistant prosecuting attorney with the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case.

After a three-day trial, the jury found Rodgers guilty on all eight counts against him: five counts of rape, all first-degree felonies; one count of kidnapping, a first-degree felony; and two counts of robbery, felonies of the second and third degrees.

On Aug. 17, 2019, Rodgers attacked a young woman on West 9th Street just south of The Ohio State University campus. He confronted the woman, putting what appeared to be a handgun but was actually a BB gun to her face. He demanded property and then raped her. The victim immediately called 911, and Columbus police arrested Rodgers near the crime scene after a brief foot chase.

“This was a horrific crime, but the courageous testimony from the survivor helped us achieve a just verdict,” said Anthony Pierson, deputy chief counsel for the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. "We are all inspired by this woman who showed so much bravery in the courtroom.”

Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Andria Noble will sentence Rodgers on Sept. 27. Vaccaro will be seeking the maximum sentence of 74 years in prison.