Justin R. Marx, 47, Bowling Green, pleaded not guilty today to charges of rape and sexual battery.
A pretrial has been scheduled for Nov. 29, at 2:30 p.m., before Wood County Common Pleas Court Judge Molly Mack.
Marx, who founded Bowling Green Beer Works on North Grove Street, had been indicted by a Wood County grand jury in September for rape, a first-degree felony, and sexual battery, a third-degree felony.
According to court documents on the rape charge, Marx allegedly engaged in sexual conduct with a victim while knowing that person’s ability to resist or consent was substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition, or because of advanced age.
On the sexual battery charge, Marx allegedly engaged in sexual contact with the victim, knowing that the victim submitted because she was unaware that the act was being committed.
The offenses allegedly took place on or about Jan. 10, 2021.
Mack explained the possible sentences if Marx were found guilty. The rape charge carries a possible sentence of 16 ½ years, plus a fine of $20,000, while the sexual battery carries a possible sentence of five years and $10,000 fine.
A representative of Marx’s attorney Lorin Zaner asked the court to continue bond on Marx’s own recognizance. The judge agreed.
Wood County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney James Hoppenjans had no objections, but asked that Marx be ordered to wear an ankle GPS monitor, and have no contact with the alleged victim.
The judge also ordered that Marx not consume alcohol or illegal drugs, and added that he may be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings.
