Man indicted for child rape

SANDUSKY — A Sandusky man is facing serious allegations after he was indicted at the end of March. Austen Neiding, 21, of the 300 block of Reese St., is facing a 14-count indictment: • Three counts of rape, first-degree felonies • Two counts of kidnapping, first-degree felonies • Seven counts of gross sexual imposition, either third or fourth-degree felonies • Importuning, a third-degree felony • Strangulation, a fourth-degree felony There were two alleged victims who were allegedly held against their wills in a city home, according to Sandusky police Chief Jared Oliver. One of the rape charges covers conduct throughout 2023 when a victim was under 13 years old. Another rape charge covers conduct from November 2023 through July 2024 and the third charge covers alleged conduct from June 2024 through July 2024. One of the victims was reportedly strangled. Neiding was arrested on March 31. He pleaded not guilty at an April 1 arraignment. He was released on $75,000 bond on Friday. He was ordered to have no contact with victims and is subject to electronic monitoring. The case is set for pre-trial at 10:15 a.m. on April 14 in Judge Roger Binette's court.