A Zanesville man was recently arrested and appeared before Judge Cottrill on charges of rape, kidnapping and tampering with evidence Wednesday morning.

Joseph Stewart pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment and sought a reduction in his $500,000 bond arising from his arrest last Thursday.

According to Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch, the charges stem from an incident in September of last year where Stewart allegedly provided alcohol to a minor, to the point where she began throwing up, before having sexual conduct with the victim.

Initially, Stewart denied having intercourse with the victim, however, a condom was found that contained the DNA of both Stewart and the victim continued Welch.

Stewart’s defense attorney, Lee Roberts of Columbus, argued for a reduced bond citing Stewart’s lifelong residency of Ohio, his active employment and the recent birth of his child.

Welch highlighted the fact that Stewart had a prior conviction from 2008, and Judge Cottrill ultimately continued bond at $500,000.

Stewart is currently incarcerated at the Muskingum County Jail.