By Jeff Devine, The Chronicle
An Ozark man was arrested Sept. 24 on a charge of first-degree sexual abuse, according to Dale County inmate booking records.
Marcus Ruffin, 54, was booked into the Dale County Jail at 7:16 p.m. Sept. 24. The booking record lists the charge as sexual abuse in the first degree and identifies the Ozark Police Department as the arresting agency.
The Chronicle has spoken at length with an individual close to the matter who says a minor is Ruffin’s alleged victim. The source also alleged that Ruffin sexually groomed and abused the girl, who is under 16 years old, and alleged that the girl became pregnant as a result of the abuse.
The individual also told The Chronicle that the alleged conduct involving the girl was not an isolated incident and that other minors may have been subjected to similar behavior.
At this time, The Chronicle has not independently verified those additional allegations. No other alleged victims or their families have contacted The Chronicle to provide information or documentation supporting those claims.
The allegations regarding other potential victims are therefore being reported as allegations made by a family member of an alleged victim.
The Chronicle’s policy is not to publish identifying information about victims of sexual or domestic abuse unless the victim chooses to come forward and gives permission for that information to be published. In this case, the family has specifically asked that the minor’s identity be protected because of her age and the sensitive nature of the allegations.
We have emailed the Ozark Police Department asking for additional details related to the case and will provide an update once information is available.
The arrest represents an accusation, and Ruffin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Anyone with information regarding the alleged abuse or information about other potential victims is encouraged to contact the Ozark Police Department at (334) 774-2644 and ask to speak with an investigator who handles sexual-related crime cases.
Individuals who have information they would like to share with The Chronicle regarding this investigation or Ruffin may contact the newsroom at [email protected]. After an initial email exchange, we can provide a personal telephone number for individuals who wish to speak in greater detail. You may remain anonymous if you so choose.
