Columbus Man, 23, Charged With Rape and Kidnapping in Franklin County

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Two first-degree felony charges were read Wednesday morning in Franklin County Municipal Court, where a 23-year-old Columbus man made his first appearance on rape and kidnapping counts, according to court records.

Melvin Collins is charged in case 2026 CR A 019084 with rape, a first-degree felony, at the grade alleging threat of force, and kidnapping, also a first-degree felony, at the grade alleging that he terrorized or seriously harmed another person. The arraignment sheet gives no facts about the underlying allegations and identifies no other person.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office records give his full name as Melvin Eugene Collins Jr. and show he was arrested November 3, 2026, and booked into the Franklin County Corrections Center at James A. Karnes (booking 20261103051), with bond not set as of his appearance in courtroom 4D.

Collins is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Felony cases filed in municipal court are typically presented to a Franklin County grand jury, which decides whether to issue an indictment and move the case to the Court of Common Pleas.

Also booked

Hilliard Man, 18, Charged With Felonious Assault in Franklin County — Hilliard

Canal Winchester Man, 48, Charged With Gross Sexual Imposition in Franklin County — Canal Winchester

Columbus Man, 35, Charged With First-Degree Felony Kidnapping in Franklin County — Columbus

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