CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – A former Chillicothe physician assistant who has been at the center of two years of Guardian investigations has finally found himself behind bars — this time for child sexual abuse.

Rufus Lowman is wanted out of the state of Florida for over a decade of child sexual abuse crimes — crimes that the Ross County Sheriff’s Office ignored for years. Lowman is accused of sexually abusing his former stepdaughter from the age of 11 until she was 18.

So how did we finally come to this point?

How Did We Get Here?

On September 10, 2024, the Ohio Medical Board voted to permanently revoke Lowman’s medical license. The decision stems from allegations that Lowman prescribed Schedule II controlled substances to 11 patients between September 2022 and March 2024 without the necessary supervision. Schedule II drugs, which include opioids and other substances with a high abuse potential, are subject to strict regulatory oversight to prevent misuse.

Lowman’s license was initially suspended on May 8, 2024, following these allegations. The board’s suspension order cited violations of Ohio Revised Code sections 4730.25(B)(2) and 4730.25(B)(3), highlighting the risk of “immediate and serious harm” posed by his continued practice. Despite not being a licensed physician, Lowman had operated under specific restrictions, which he clearly breached.

Further complicating the case, Lowman is alleged to have run an “illegal pill mill,” distributing narcotics inappropriately. The situation was exacerbated by reports of unethical behavior, including a troubling claim from a family alleging that Lowman prescribed Xanax to their son, who was in active recovery. The son reportedly died shortly after visiting Lowman’s clinic, Rose Medical Clinic.

Additional accusations against Lowman include allegations of insurance fraud, HIPAA violations, and an unsafe work environment. A former employee of the clinic provided information about these claims, including the misuse of Lowman’s prescriptions by office staff.

Lack of Seriousness in Sexual Allegations Investigation

The most alarming allegations against Lowman involve claims of sexual abuse of a minor — the same case he must now answer for. The female accuser alleged that the abuse began when she was 11 years old and continued over several years in both Florida and Ohio. Despite having an audio recording purportedly containing Lowman’s confession, no formal charges had been filed. The recording includes disturbing admissions and victim-blaming statements allegedly made by Lowman.

The Ross County Sheriff’s Office and the prosecutor never took the sexual allegations seriously, raising serious questions about the integrity of other sexual assault cases being investigated by Sheriff George Lavender and his detectives. However, our reporters have been cooperating with Florida law enforcement. Our dedicated team of reporters, with permission from the victim’s family, tirelessly pursued the truth, collaborating with Florida law enforcement to ensure that justice is served.

Scioto Valley Guardian

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