WILMINGTON — Clinton County Municipal Court Judge Mike Daugherty approved the motion to transfer a felony 1 rape case to the grand jury after the suspect waived his preliminary hearing Monday.

The adult male is accused of raping a juvenile relative at their residence in Clinton County. The suspect was arrested by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office after the incident was reported by another relative. He was booked into the Clinton County Jail and was arraigned earlier this month in municipal court.

The News Journal is not identifying the suspect and location of the alleged crime to protect the victim and their family.

The suspect is currently held on a $100,000 bond, which was unchanged by Daugherty during the hearing as he cited the seriousness of the charge, and concerns for the victim, as well as to ensure the suspect shows up for his court dates.

“Because of the extreme seriousness of this case, there must an extreme certainty that (the suspect) will show up,” said Daugherty, adding the suspect must have no contact with the victim.

If found guilty, the suspect could face a life sentence.