Fort Benning soldier accused of rape is denied bond - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Fort Benning soldier accused of rape is denied bond

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By Suzanne Bratton - bio | email
Juan L. Cerda (Source: Columbus Police Department) Juan L. Cerda (Source: Columbus Police Department)

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COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -

The Fort Benning soldier accused of rape was in Recorder's Court Thursday at 8:00 a.m. charged with aggravated battery, attempted rape and false imprisonment. 

The prosecution told the court that Juan L. Cerda was at the Willow Creek Apartments in Columbus as a prospective renter, and an employee was showing him a model apartment.  Once inside the apartment, we are told that Cerda picked up the victim, pinned her up against a wall and sexually assaulted her.  After the attack, they say the victim escaped and quickly called police. 

They continued to say that during the initial interview with police, Cerda denied the accusations.  In a later interview, however, he admitted that he may have inappropriately touched her. 

During this time, Cerda was facing the judge, shaking his head in disbelief. 

The judge gave him a stiff punishment; Cerda was denied bond for the aggravated sexual battery charge, gave him a $15,000 bond for the attempted rape charge and a $15,000 bond for the false imprisonment charge.

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