GREENE COUNTY — A former Cedarville University professor appeared in court for the first time since being charged with rape and sexual assault.
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John Tarwater appeared in Greene County Common Pleas Court via video from the Greene County Jail for his arraignment on Thursday morning. There, he pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, gross sexual imposition, and sexual battery.
Tarwater’s bond was set at $1 million.
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As News Center 7 reported on Wednesday, Tarwater was indicted on those charges in connection with a case involving a minor known to Tarwater.
The alleged abuse happened between 2019 and 2025.
The victim is not associated with Cedarville University, according to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.
Tarwater was hired as an associate finance professor at Cedarville University in 2017.
Tarwater was dismissed from his contract as professor of finance in October 2025 after being placed on leave in July 2025 when the university learned he was under investigation.
Cedarville University sent News Center 7 the following statement:
“Cedarville University administration was informed in July 2025 that Dr. John Tarwater was under investigation for concerning allegations. Due to the nature of the investigation, he was immediately placed on administrative leave and restricted from coming on campus. In October, he was dismissed from his contract.
When we learned the specific nature of the charges by the Greene County Grand Jury on March 31, 2026, Cedarville administration believed it was important to share the information with the Cedarville University community. While it is our understanding that these charges do not involve anyone Dr. Tarwater met or interacted with as a University professor, our guiding priority was transparency and the safety and well-being of everyone on campus.
This is a grievous situation, and we have encouraged our campus community to pray for healing for all affected."
Tarwater remains booked in the Greene County Jail.
He’s scheduled to be back in court later this month for a pre-trial conference. A jury trial is currently scheduled to begin in June.
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