A 49-year-old man was arraigned Thursday in Belmont County on 10 counts of child rape, but he was not in court for his arraignment because of injuries he suffered trying to kill himself.

Richard Hart was arrested and charged in March. After Hart posted a percentage of his $200,000 bond, he tried to commit suicide by jumping off a 45-foot bridge near Morristown, according to Sheriff Fred Thompson. Hart was critically injured in the suicide attempt.

Last week, Hart was indicted by a Belmont County Grand Jury. Even though he was arraigned today, his public defender said Hart's injuries are still so severe that he is unable to move and could not attend his arraignment in person.

Hart's attorney, Eric Costine, said Hart remains at a nursing home in Woodsfield. A not guilty plea was entered on Hart's behalf to all 10 counts of rape.

Belmont County prosecuting attorney Chris Berhalter asked for verification of Hart's medical condition.

"We did ask for some assurances that his medical condition is as it was represented in open court and the probation department is going to follow through with that," Berhalter said.

Berhalter said the allegations in this case cannot be taken lightly.

"Looking at the allegations in the indictment, we have 10 counts of rape of a child, so you can imagine our concern with the safety of the public with him being out there," he said.

Hart was ordered to have no contact with the victim in this case and his pretrial hearing is set for October.

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