$6 million bail for Columbus man on rape charge

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A man accused of raping multiple women in Columbus is now being held on $6 million bail.

Michael Davis, 57, appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court on Tuesday after being charged with three counts of rape and kidnapping. Judge Jessica D’Varga sentenced him to a total of $6 million bail – $2 million for each count – and cited a warning to stay away from firearms and the victims.

One of the victims filed a protective order against him, which he signed in court.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Minerd spoke to 10TV’s Lacey Crisp last week about Davis’ behavior.

“There’s a pattern here,” Minerd said. “How long has he been doing this? Who knows. We’ve known for at least the last few weeks.”

RELATED: Records: Man released on bail after being charged with rape, raping multiple other women

Minerd said detectives arrested Davis after several women accused him of rape.

The first victim came forward by phone in early May, but detectives were unable to locate her.

Then another woman called, and another, all with very similar accounts of being kidnapped, taken to his house, raped at knifepoint and forced to take what they thought was cocaine, court documents show.

Before Davis was charged with three counts of rape and kidnapping, he was free on $500,000 bail for a 2023 rape and kidnapping charge.

His next court date is scheduled for June 10.

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