MARION, Ohio (WCMH) – The case against a Marion City Council member, who was set to face trial on three felony rape charges, has been dismissed — at least temporarily.

According to court documents, a motion was filed on behalf of the Marion County prosecutor’s office seeking an entry of nolle prosequi without prejudice of all counts of an indictment against Marion City Councilmember Ayers Ratliff.

The motion, filed Tuesday and heard Friday in the Marion Court of Common Pleas, seeks the dismissal due to additional and “substantial evidence” that will need to be reviewed, with the possibility that Ratliff may be reindicted. For previous coverage of Ratliff’s indictment and charges view the video player above.

The motion states, “The evidence continues to amass. Surprisingly, Ratliff’s attorneys – by providing potential witnesses and hundreds of pages of new discovery material – have unwittingly given the prosecution team additional leads that will need to be reviewed by a Marion County grand jury.”

Prosecutors could ask the grand jury to determine if new felony charges are warranted, the motion said. Judge Matthew Frericks granted the motion, and Ratliff’s bond was released.

The charges, three counts of felony rape, stem from allegations that he raped a 13-year-old. In August, Ratliff was indicted on rape, a first-degree felony; gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony; and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a third-degree felony.

According to a criminal complaint, Ratliff was arrested after the child texted a friend after the alleged assault. The friend then relayed the messages to a school guidance counselor, who called the police.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation was called to assist in the investigation, and the victim was taken to a hospital for a sexual assault examination. Police also executed a search warrant at the location of the reported rape, where several clothes described by the victim were collected, as well as other physical evidence and electronic devices. Ratliff was arrested May 20.

Ratliff is still listed as a Marion City Councilmember on the city’s website, and his term expires Dec. 31. He was present at the most recent council meeting on Jan. 21, according to the committee minutes. It was not immediately clear whether he would seek a new term.