MARION, Ohio — A Marion city councilman and his wife pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges stemming from the alleged sexual assault of a teenager, marking the second time the councilman has faced such accusations.

Ayers Ratliff is charged with rape, abduction and gross sexual imposition. His wife, Heidi Ratliff, faces charges of obstructing justice, endangering children and intimidation of a victim. All charges are connected to the alleged rape of a teenage girl.

Similar charges against Ayers were dismissed in January. He was indicted again in August , this time his wife is also being charged.

During their back-to-back arraignments, both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

"For us this is just a total attack on him and who he is in the community," said Rocky Ratliff, Ayers'

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