Two grandsons of Auburn City Council member, Arthur Dowdell, were arrested Tuesday, June 18, in connection to first degree rape charges.
Drekian Dowdell, 21, is a resident of Box Springs, Ga., and Jywan Marionate Tyrell Moss, 18, is a resident of Auburn, according to police arrest reports.
The alleged incident reportedly took place in the home of the councilman while he was out of town.
According to the Auburn-Opelika news, Dowdell believes his grandsons are innocent, and the alleged event was consensual.
The alleged victim is a 15-year-old juvenile, according to an offense report filed June 13.
"I will tell you that they're innocent until proven guilty," Dowdell said. "I think they have been overcharged and I think the evidence will show that this is not a first-degree rape case."
Dowdell also said he thought the Auburn Police Department handled the case properly.
"I think the police department did their job," Dowdell said. "I talked to the police department while I was out of town and I think they handled the kids with dignity."
Bonds for Drekian Dowdell and Moss have been posted at $100,000.
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