Man arrested for sexually assaulting 17-year-old girl

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office has released the official affidavit regrading a 17-year-old girl with cognitive deficiency being sexually assaulted by a man in a South Bend residence.

Official court documents report on June 29, a 17-year-old girl with cognitive deficiency, along with her grandmother, reported to the South Bend police she was sexually assaulted by a man named Rodrick Mitchell.

The girl told police she met Mitchell at a gas station in South Bend.

Shortly after the two met, she told police she began texting Mitchell and agreed to meet him at his house to hang out.

Police say the girl was examined for a sexual assault kit by a nurse.

The girl told the authorities she informed her grandmother that Mitchell had put his hand around her neck before assaulting her.

Mitchell was later taken into custody and read his Miranda rights before he agreed to speak with police.

Mitchell confirmed to police that he and the victim met at a gas station before texting and agreeing to meet.

According to court documents, Mitchell stated from the look on victim's face when she told him to stop the assault, he knew she wanted to leave, so he let her leave.

Authorities state it should be noted the nurse reported that, in her opinion, the victim functions at about a 7 or 8-year-old level.

The victim's father and grandmother both reported to police, the girl has a cognitive delay making her function at no more of a 10 to 12-year-old level.

Court documents state the above events indicate Mitchell is a danger to the community or others and at this time, prosecutors are requesting a protective order be granted between Mitchell and the victim.

Mitchell is charged with rape when victim is mentally disabled or deficient and rape when victim has verbally or otherwise refused.