A 22-year-old Worthington man appeared in Greene Superior Court May 2 on a felony charge of rape following a April 29 incident in Worthington.

Worthington Town Marshal Jacob Gambill arrested Gregory Robert William Barnes April 29 after he was first contacted by Greene County Dispatch regarding a report of sexual assault in Worthington. Barnes faces a Level 3 Felony charge of rape—rape when compelled by force or imminent threat of force. 

Gambill spoke with the victim who alleged she and Barnes were cleaning a garage on April 18 when she went to use the bathroom. When she finished using the bathroom, according to the probable cause affidavit, she said Barnes grabbed her by the arms and pulled her into a bedroom, which is where the incident occurred. The victim alleged she told Barnes no when he tried to take her clothes off. She said he pushed her onto the bed, took off her clothes, and got on top of her. She alleged she tried to get him off of her, but she was unsuccessful. She said she continually told Barnes to stop when he put his penis inside her vagina. 

That same day, the victim went to Greene County General Hospital where a sexual assault exam was performed. The victim, according to the probable cause affidavit, said she wanted to pursue charges. The evidence collected was transferred to the Worthington Police Department for temporary storage, and the sexual assault nurse examiner provided Gambill with a written testament. 

On April 19, Barnes went to the Worthington Police Department and requested to speak to Gambill regarding allegations being made against him. Barnes alleged he and the victim were cleaning the garage when she “flashed a titty” and kissed him. He said she grabbed his hand and led him to the bedroom. He alleged they began kissing and things escalated into consensual sex. Barnes said they had sex twice, both times in his bedroom. When asked if the victim asked him to stop, Barnes answered no. According to the probable cause affidavit, when he answered no, Gambill noticed an inflection in his voice and he broke eye contact for the first time when answering a direct question. Based upon his training and experience as an officer, Gambill said those behaviors and signs are indicative of someone who is being deceitful. 

After Barnes finished telling his side of the story, Gambill confronted him about the indicators of deception. According to the probable cause affidavit, Barnes denied the victim telling him no or asking him to stop. As Gambill explained to Barnes his previous behaviors, his face began to flush and became red on complexion. Barnes alleged the victim said, “don’t stop”. 

On April 23, Barnes went to the Worthington Police Department for transport to the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post where Sgt. Mark Wells administered a stipulated polygraph. According to the probable cause affidavit, Sgt. Wells informed Gambill that Barnes failed the polygraph test. When Sgt. Wells presented Barnes with the results, Barnes allegedly confessed that the victim had told him to stop but he didn’t stop because he wanted to ejaculate. He alleged he used his weight and the fact that he was on top of the victim to control her. According to the probable cause affidavit, Gambill asked Barnes if he had intercourse by means of force with the victim to which Barnes alleged he did. 

Barnes was transported to Greene County Jail where his bond was set at $15,000 surety with 10% cash allowed. As of 8 a.m. on May 6, Barnes was still in custody. 

Barnes appeared in Greene Superior Court for an initial hearing on May 2. A jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 1.