Athens Man Accused of Sexually Assaulting his Girlfriend’s Child Appears in Clark County Court

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 -- 2:00 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) An Athens man accused of sexually assaulting his girlfriend’s child appeared in Clark County Court on Tuesday.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Erick Antonio Ruiz Cortez is accused of repeated sexual assault of the same child, physical abuse of a child, and exposing himself to a child.

Investigators say he was sexually assaulting the victim while their mother wasn’t home, then threatening them to keep quiet about the incidents. Another student informed authorities of the situation in mid-January, which led to the investigation.

The victim was interviewed by law enforcement and child advocacy teams before police took Ruiz Cortez for questioning, leading to his arrest. During his arraignment on Tuesday, he entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him.

He’s scheduled to be back in court on August 19th.

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