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Rape reported at hospital

A woman says another patient sexually assaulted her in the behavioral unit.

Jerry  Tharp

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By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer Updated 3:04 PM Wednesday, November 25, 2009

HAMILTON — A 34-year-old man is being held in the Butler County Jail after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman at the Fort Hamilton Hospital on Saturday, Nov. 21, according to Hamilton police.

Jerry Tharp, formerly of Preble County, was charged with rape and sexual imposition. He is accused of attacking a woman in the hospital’s behavioral unit, where they were both patients, said Sgt. Tom Kilgour, public affairs supervisor.

According to the police report, a Hamilton woman reported the assault a few hours after it occurred at the hospital at 630 Eaton Ave. The woman said Tharp raped her and forced her to perform oral sex between 1:30 and 2 p.m.

The arrest report says Tharp threatened to choke the woman to death if she screamed or told anyone.

According to the arrest report, Tharp also fondled another person. It was unknown if that person was a Fort Hamilton patient.

Marielou Vierling, hospital spokeswoman, had no comment about the incident.

Tharp, who is on probation for a 2008 conviction of attempted receiving stolen property, was arraigned Tuesday, Nov. 24, in Hamilton Municipal Court where his bond was set at $250,000.

He is scheduled to be back in court Monday, Nov. 30, for a preliminary hearing.

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