Bowling Green man charged with rape involving minor

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Bowling Green man is behind bars on a rape charge involving a minor.

According to a uniform citation, the Bowling Green Police Department began a sexual assault investigation on Tuesday. Police say a 15-year-old female reported 21-year-old Jatarius Simmons of Bowling Green had sexually assaulted her.

Authorities say the alleged sexual assault occurred after the victim became sick and incapacitated.

Simmons is also accused of threatening to kill the victim and members of her family, police say.

While interviewing Simmons, police say he admitted to stating things about the victim that “if overheard” could sound as if he was “planning on hurting” the victim or the victim’s family.

Police say Simmons additionally admitted to making sexual contact with the victim.

Simmons was placed into custody and transported to the Warren County Regional Jail.

He faces charges of first-degree rape – incapable of consent/physically helpless, first-degree sodomy – incapable of consent/physically helpless and intimidating a particpant in the legal process.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact BGPD at 270-393-4000.