Ashland County Man Indicted on Multiple First-Degree Felony Charges of Rape and One Count of Kidnapping
ASHLAND COUNTY — A 26-year-old Ashland County man is facing multiple first-degree felony charges, including rape and kidnapping, following the February Grand Jury indictment and subsequent bond hearing in Ashland County Common Pleas Court.
Michael Alexander Albrecht was arrested on Feb. 14, 2026, after a grand jury indictment was filed on Feb. 13 charging him with three counts of rape, one count of kidnapping, and one count of possessing criminal tools.
The charges stem from alleged incidents that occurred between Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2025, in Ashland County and/or Huron County. Prosecutors allege Albrecht purposely compelled the alleged victim to submit to sexual conduct by force or threat of force. Court records state the victim was 18 years of age or older at the time.
During the bond hearing, Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Metcalf outlined the state’s position in detail, requesting a $500,000 cash bond based on what he described as the seriousness of the allegations, the strength of the evidence, and the potential risk of flight if Albrecht were released.
Metcalf told the court the alleged victim met Albrecht online and believed they were going to spend time together watching movies. According to the state, the alleged victim made it clear she did not consent to sexual activity.
Instead, prosecutors allege Albrecht drove the victim to a remote rural area, where multiple acts of sexual conduct allegedly occurred through force or threat of force. Metcalf stated the incident occurred late at night, around 11:30 p.m. to midnight.
According to the prosecutor, the alleged victim immediately reported the incident, informed her parents, and underwent a sexual assault forensic examination. Metcalf said the examination revealed physical injuries consistent with non-consensual sexual activity.
Metcalf further stated that during the investigation, Albrecht denied knowing the alleged victim and denied any sexual contact. However, prosecutors told the court that DNA evidence was later obtained and allegedly identified Albrecht in a manner the state says would only be present if sexual conduct had occurred as described by the alleged victim.
Metcalf emphasized that the case goes beyond a “he said, she said” scenario, citing the timing of the report, the forensic findings, and the DNA evidence as factors supporting the indictment.
While acknowledging Albrecht has no prior criminal history, Metcalf argued the severity of the charges and the potential penalties — including decades in prison and mandatory sex-offender registration if convicted — created a substantial risk that the defendant could flee.
The court set bond at $500,000, which may be posted as cash, surety, or real estate. If bond is posted, Albrecht must comply with the courts conditions.
Attorney Zack Miranda was appointed to represent Albrecht after the court determined he qualified for court-appointed counsel.
Albrecht is scheduled to appear for arraignment by video on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.
All charges are allegations, and Albrecht is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
