Syracuse man faces charges for alleged rape

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY, Ind. – A Syracuse man was arrested after allegedly raping a female victim Thursday night.

According to the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, deputies received a call around 10:17 p.m. from a woman stating she had been raped by 43-year-old Timothy Rottger.

The victim told deputies she was visiting Rottger and his wife at their home to drink. She reported that she didn’t feel like she was capable of driving and fell asleep at Rottger’s home.

Officials say the victim had been asleep for a few hours when she woke up to Rottger engaging in sexual intercourse with her.

Court documents note the victim forced Rottger off of her and ran to the kitchen for her cell phone to call 9-1-1 while Rottger begged her not to call for help.

Deputies talked with Rottger who said he was going to check on the sleeping victim and take a shower when he kissed her forehead before walking out of the bedroom.

Per the probable cause affidavit. Rottger was asked to provide a DNA sample and refused.

After a search warrant was obtained for his DNA, deputies said Rottger wanted to change his story, claiming he allegedly rubbed the victim’s back and arms when she woke up. He was in the room for approximately 15 minutes

Rottger was arrested and booked in the Kosciusko County Jail.