Trial Against Ryan Povilaitis Continues Today

Starke County Courthouse
Starke County Courthouse

The trial against a Knox man who was arrested in January on allegations of attempted rape continues today in the Starke Circuit Court. Ryan Povilaitis is charged with numerous felonies and a misdemeanor after he allegedly attacked a woman at a residence they shared and tried to force himself upon her.

A woman called police to report that she had been attacked by Povilaitis in mid-January, telling Knox City Police that Povilaitis was intoxicated and came into the room in the residence they shared and he allegedly forced himself on her. The performance of the sexual act was not committed, but it was attempted, she reportedly said. The oral form of the act did allegedly occur. He also allegedly poked the victim with toothpicks and hit her with other objects.

The victim was taken to IU Health Starke Hospital where pictures of her injuries were taken.

Povilaitis is now on trial for counts of Criminal Deviate Conduct and Attempted Rape as Class B felonies, Criminal Confinement as a Class D felony and Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury as a Class A misdemeanor. Court officials expect to case to continue through today.

The state has presented three witnesses thus far, including the victim, a male witness and Officer Chris Kisela.