Soldier Indicted, Accused Of Raping Children In His Care

Soldier Indicted, Accused Of Raping Children In His Care

Posted: Jul 15, 2013 11:45 PM EDT

Updated: Jul 16, 2013 6:58 AM EDT

By: Denise Alex

Jean Paul Kruse has been indicted on 17 charges after he allegedly raped children in his care.

MARYSVILLE, Ohio -

An Ohio National Guard major is facing charges of rape, sexual battery and gross sexual imposition, according to an indictment released from the Union County Criminal Court on Monday.

Jean Paul Kruse, 40, has been indicted on 17 charges.

According to the indictment, Kruse is accused of sex crimes involving children under the age of 13. The alleged acts occurred between October 2006 and August 2012.

The indictment states the victims are children he and his wife were caring for in their Marysville home.

A story on the Ohio National Guard's website posted October 2008 featured the blended family, which included step-children, biological children and some adopted children from Liberia.

Kruse was quoted in that story stating he and his wife had wanted to adopt a little girl from Liberia. "We wanted a girl because they have it so hard there. They are often raped and molested from a very young age," said Kruse in the article.

Kruse is currently serving a one year mission with 371st Sustainment Brigade in Kuwait. The Ohio National Guard says he left last month.

The Union County prosecutor will need to submit a request to the Army to have Kruse return to the United States to face charges, according to the National Guard. Until then, Kruse is on active military duty.

Kruse's wife, Emily, has been indicted on two counts of intimidation of an attorney, victim, or witness in a criminal case and one count of obstructing justice.

All of the Kruse children have been removed from the Marysville home.

The Union County prosecutor requested a warrant be issued for Jean Paul and Emily Kruse to be arraigned on the charges August 1.