Snapchat rape video being shared

PORT CLINTON — Stop sharing the rape video. That's what Ottawa County prosecutor James VanEerten asked of those who obtained copies of Snapchat video clips that allegedly show a 77-year-old man raping a 20-year-old woman."My office, along with Danbury and Marblehead police, have received reports of some who possess or have shared these videos," VanEerten told the Register. "I request anyone who has these videos to please refrain from sharing them."On Tuesday, a 20-year-old woman reportedly filmed herself being raped on Snapchat, a mobile phone application that allows its users to record short video clips and post them online for their friendsThe videos usually disappear upon being viewed. But if the video is posted to a user's main page, the content is viewable for 24 hours.VanEerten said disseminating the Snapchat footage can only re-victimize the young woman.Danbury Township resident James Dennis Allen, 77, was arrested Tuesday and charged with rape after police were called out to a home in the 2000 block of S. Emeraly Shores Drive. "Police received a call to do a welfare check on the woman from one of the victim's friends who saw the video," Ottawa County prosecutor James VanEerten said.Allen appeared in Ottawa County Municipal Court on Wednesday and had his bond set at $1 million. In addition to his bond, Allen was ordered not to contact the alleged victim, according to court records.He remained behind bars as of Thursday in the Ottawa County jail.Related coverage:• Victim records her rape on Snapchat• Public horrified by Snapchat rapeReach reporter Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterAllen