OHHA Assistant Director Ayers Ratliff charged with rape

The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association’s (OHHA) Assistant Director and Marion City County, Ohio Councilman, Ayers Ratliff, has been charged with raping a girl under 15 years old, Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan said.

Ratliff made his initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon where a judge set his bond at $500,000, according to court records.

Ratliff has been employed by the OHHA since November 2023 and prior to that he was the track announcer at Northfield Park.

Harnesslink reached out to the OHHA for comment, but they had no response.

Ratliff, a Democrat, has served on the Marion City Council Board since he was first elected in 2005.

To read the arrest warrant, click here.

by Steve Wolf, for Harnesslink