Man charged in burglary, assault of elderly woman

Published 5:00 am Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Brookhaven police say a county man remains in custody afterbeing charged in an alleged sexual assault of an 83-year-old womanin her home in May.

James May, 29, of 2453 Stonehinge Tr., was arrested Monday oncharges of sexual battery and burglary of an occupied dwelling. Heis being held in the Lincoln County Jail. Bail has not beenset.

Officials said a breaking and entering complaint was reportedMay 30. When an officer was sent to the scene, the elderly victimreported that her dog had awakened her after a man had allegedlybroken into her home.

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Assistant Police Chief Nolan Jones said authorities are notreleasing a lot of information about the crime since it is stillunder investigation. The DAILY LEADER does not identify victims incases of alleged sexual assaults.

Jones said the woman told police she found the man standing inthe living room of her home in a neighborhood off North JacksonStreet. She said he made a threatening statement before putting aknife to her throat and taking her into the bedroom and assaultingher.

The victim went to the hospital, where she was treated andreleased.

Jones and Police Chief Pap Henderson say they believe assaultwas the intruder’s primary intent.

Henderson said May has other burglary charges on his record fromother jurisdictions. He will have his initial court appearance nextMonday.