Evansville man arrested, accused of sexual misconduct, battery involving teen girl

Isaiah Seibert
Evansville Courier & Press

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — An Evansville man was arrested Sunday night, accused of sexual misconduct and strangulation involving a teen girl.

Johnathan David Ryan Bush, 22, faces the following preliminary charges:

  • battery-strangulation
  • battery
  • sexual misconduct with a minor
  • furnishing alcohol to minor
Johnathan Bush

According to a probable cause affidavit from the Evansville Police Department, the alleged victim spoke to a forensic interviewer on Jan. 17 at Holly's House, a resource center for survivors of intimate violence.

In the interview, the girl said Bush forced alcohol down her throat and choked her. They later went to an apartment belonging to one of Bush's friends, where the girl said he forced himself onto her in a bathroom. 

The alleged victim said another man tried to assault her, but she bit him so he stopped.

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She said Bush then continued to assault her until she passed out on the bathroom floor. The two men later dropped her off at her home. 

The girl said Bush knew she was underage, but he told her he was only 17.

Bush told police he had sex with the girl on a couple occasions. He said it was never forced, according to the affidavit, and everything that happened between them was consensual.

He was booked into Vanderburgh County's jail shortly before 7:45 p.m. Sunday, where he's being held in lieu of $25,000 bond. 

An initial hearing is scheduled Thursday.