Rape suspect enters insanity plea

PORT CLINTON — A Graytown man who was indicted in March for multiple sex crimes has recently pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Zane B. Willis, 21, 1800 block North Walker St., entered the plea at a pre-trial hearing on April 22. An Ottawa County grand jury indicted Willis on March 19 on ten counts of illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, each a second-degree felony and eight counts of rape, each a first-degree felony. According to Willis' indictment, the alleged crimes occurred between March 2024 and December 2024 when he allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with someone "by force or threat of force." The age of the victim was not specified in the indictment. His indictment also states that Willis allegedly created, directed, produced or transferred material that depicted a child "in a state of nudity." On April 22, Willis' lawyers asked the court to order "an evaluation of (Willis') ability and competency to stand trial" and determine if the alleged crimes were the result of a "severe mental disease or defect." The evaluation is scheduled to take place at the Court Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Toledo; however, a specific date has not been set yet. As of late Thursday, Willis remains at the Ottawa County Jail on a $500,000 bond. He has an upcoming court hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on June 27, according to court records.