INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis man has been charged with rape, domestic battery and other felony charges after being accused of beating and sexually assaulting a 17-year-old since 2022.
Russell Bryant, 24, was arrested on July 19 and is facing the following preliminary charges:
- Two counts of rape when compelled by force or imminent threat of force, level 1 felony
- Criminal confinement while armed with a deadly weapon, level 3 felony
- Two counts of rape, level 3 felony
- Sexual misconduct with a minor, level 4 felony
- Two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, level 5 felony
- Two counts of child exploitation, level 5 felony
- Intimidation, level 5 felony
- Sexual battery, level 6 felony
- Domestic battery, a misdemeanor charge
- Battery resulting in bodily injury, misdemeanor charge
The investigation into Bryant’s conduct began on June 25 when officers were called to the 5600 block of W. Ohio Street to investigate a potential rape.
The victim said Bryant had allegedly beaten and raped them several times since 2022. The victim said they “pretended” to enjoy having sex with Bryant because they were afraid that he would potentially kill them or other family members.
Investigators were told Bryant allegedly caused bruising to the victim’s right eye socket after they accidentally spilled soda when exiting the vehicle. Bryant then attempted to grab a knife and left the vehicle where they were dragged along the pavement.
Court documents show one of the responding officers reportedly observed a road rash on the victim’s shoulders and a scar caused by a bite mark on their left arm from two years ago.
The victim told investigators they believed Bryant was likely tracking them via a cell phone he had purchased for them. While speaking with detectives, the victim provided them with several social media usernames allegedly belonging to Bryant.
The victim said they felt obligated to communicate with Bryant on an hourly basis to avoid making him suspicious that he might get caught, according to court documents.
Court documents said Bryant also allegedly had video recordings of the two engaging in sexual acts.
As part of their investigation, detectives submitted a request to Neta Platforms Inc. to access Bryant’s Instagram and Snapchat accounts.
Detectives learned the victim and Bryant first came into contact with one another on Thanksgiving Day in 2022 when Bryant explained how much he cared about the victim as they allegedly consumed alcohol together. Afterward, Bryant allegedly forced the victim to delete all of their social media or not see any friends from school.
The initial beating occurred after the two were arguing. Bryant allegedly slapped the victim on the face, causing their mouth to bleed and develop a busted lip. The victim said this led to Bryant punching them as they curled up on the floor in an attempt to be protected from the blows.
The victim said they realized that Bryant only stopped hitting them when they stopped crying from the pain. This led to the victim learning how to avoid crying when Bryant beat them.
Court documents said Bryant was allegedly involved in dealing in cocaine and marijuana and that they would help him weigh the drugs and go to spots where Bryant allegedly dealt narcotics.
At one point during the interview, the victim told detectives that Bryant allegedly got angry at them after accusing them of creating a secret Instagram account. In response, Bryant is alleged to have thrown the victim on the ground and cornered them against the wall with a knife.
Bryant then allegedly told the victim to go into the living room where he entered armed with a “big a** gun”, according to court documents. Bryant allegedly pointed it at the victim while saying, “Don’t think I won’t.”
Bryant allegedly threatened to kill the victim and their family if he ever discovered any secret Instagram or social media accounts. Bryant then reportedly proceeded to make sexual advances towards the victim, court documents said. The victim said they were so scared that Bryant would kill them and their family that they went along with it.
The victim said Bryant threatened to kill them every day, and that they “went along” with having sex so they would not get beat again.
Every time Bryant allegedly became violent, the victim said he would justify it by saying that they had caused it. The victim recalled being forced to capture screenshots and photos including time stamps to prove to Bryant that they were not talking to the police and that they were where they claimed to be.
Investigators proceeded to apply for search warrants for all electronic devices located inside two Indy residences. Bryant was subsequently detained and brought into custody without further incident and transported to the Child Abuse Office.
Court documents said officers recovered a black Diamondback D815 rifle while searching through each residence.
According to online court records, Bryant is set to appear for his jury trial around 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 7 in Marion Superior Court 20.
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