First responder accused of rape

CLARK COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN) - A Clark county first responder who is accused of raping a teenage girl made his first appearance in court Thursday morning.

Robert Oldham, 30, of Springfield pleaded not guilty to the rape charge.

The 19-year-old victim told police Oldham raped her during a recent house party on Penny Pike in German Township.  The same town where he serves as a police officer and firefighter.

According to the police report, the victim was sitting on the front porch after drinking alcohol when two men offered to help her upstairs.  Investigators said Oldham intervened and took the victim upstairs himself where he began raping her.  The teen reported the abuse the next day.

Oldham serves a lieutenant with the German Township fire department.  According to Dan Price, who is the Assistant Fire Chief, Oldham has been with the department for 15 years.  Price said Oldham has been placed on paid administrative leave until the investigation is complete. 

Oldham is also a part-time German Township police officer.  According to Bill Dickerson, who is the German Township Chief of Police, Oldham joined the force in 2007 as an auxiliary officer and then sworn in as a paid police officer in 2011.  Dickerson also placed Oldham on paid administrative leave pending a hearing in 15 days. 

Oldham also volunteers with the Mechanicsburg fire department in Champaign county, where officials said he serves as a lieutenant.

Oldham was released from jail on a $10,000 bond.