Local U.S. Senate Candidate Denies Allegations

New Lebanon resident Eric Deaton is running for retiring George Voinovich's seat. On Wednesday, Deaton said he is prepared to prove his innocence. And his attorney questioned if political motivations are behind his indictment.

As far as Perry Township police are concerned, they investigated the Deaton case like any other. Police said Deaton met the victim at a church where Deaton served as an elder.

Chief Bob Bowman said, "He would tutor some classes and allowed her to come to his residences to do some work and earn some money."

Investigators said they have recordings and hotel records proving the inappropriate relationship. At this time, they do not know if there are other victims.

Deaton said, "I'm very fortunate that I live in a country where I'm entitled to a fair trial by jury."

This U.S. Senate candidate said he will go straight to the courtroom and fight what he called false allegations.

"I look forward to being able to defend myself against these false allegations in court. I will have my day," said Deaton.

The indictment was filed against the New Lebanon resident on Tuesday. The charges allege that Deaton had an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old girl that he met at church between March of 2006 and March of 2007.

Deaton's attorney, Jon Paul Rion said, " We believe Eric Deaton is innocent of these charges."

Rion said he has evidence to contradict the police investigation and he will also question whether there were any political motivations behind the charges.

"The timing of these allegations now will mean that his trial will take place probably after the election, which puts him at a great disadvantage for no good reason," said Rion.

WHIO-TV requested a timeline of the investigation. Perry Township police said they found out about the alleged activity in October of 2009. Officers investigated and gathered evidence from November to May of 2010.

Authorities said Deaton was notified about the case in April or May of 2010 and prosecutors said they approved the charge, but did not make the case public.

From June until August, police said the Grand Jury reviewed the evidence. Then on Tuesday, the Grand Jury approved the charge making the allegation public.

Despite the allegations, Deaton said he is continuing his candidacy.

Deaton said, "I would like the voters of Ohio to know I will fight for them just as hard when they elect me November 2, as I will be fighting for myself for the next several months."

However, his defense attorney admitted that the case puts Deaton at a great disadvantage because it's unlikely the case will be concluded before the November Election.

Deaton is due in court on Sept. 14. He faces five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, if convicted.