A Portsmouth man is facing serious felony charges after the Scioto County Grand Jury handed down multiple indictments tied to an alleged rape investigation.
According to court records, 27-year-old Donzell Worthen was indicted during the grand jury’s latest session on rape and aggravated burglary charges. The indictment alleges that on March 1, Worthen engaged in sexual conduct with a victim who prosecutors say was unable to resist because of a mental or physical condition or because of advanced age. The indictment further alleges Worthen knew the victim’s ability to resist was impaired.
A second rape count alleges force or threat of force was used.
Worthen is also charged with aggravated burglary. Prosecutors allege he trespassed into an occupied structure by force, stealth, or deception with the intent to commit rape.
⚖️ COURT ACTION
Scioto County Common Pleas Court found Worthen indigent and appointed him a public defender.
He entered a not guilty plea.
His bond was set at $100,000, and court records indicate the bond was posted through the indigent support fund.
Worthen is scheduled to return to court on May 21.
📋 PRIOR RECORD
Court records do not show prior violent felony convictions, but Worthen has had multiple prior court appearances since turning 18, including:
- Drug abuse charges
- More than a dozen traffic violations
- Multiple driving without a license charges
- An April OVI conviction
In the OVI case, he was sentenced to probation and a 90-day jail sentence with 87 days suspended. He had been scheduled to report to jail on that charge in July.