Grand jury indicts man man linked to sex cases

12/3/2010

A man arrested for sexual assault on girls that prompted warning letters from Toledo Public Schools was indicted by a Lucas County grand jury Friday on 11 charges.

Vincent Vernell Williams, 30, of 615 Cherry St. was charged with three counts of rape, four counts of kidnapping, two counts of intimidation, and one count each of aggravated robbery and of attempt to commit rape. If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 98 years in prison.

Williams was arrested Nov. 26 in the 600 block of Fassett Street in East Toledo after a chase. He is charged with kidnapping and sexually assaulting victims aged 15 and 17 on Nov. 19. He also is charged with the attempted assault of a 21-year-old on Nov. 17.

According to the indictment, one count each of rape and kidnapping occurred Aug. 10. Police Chief Michael Navarre said follow-up investigation of the assault indicated the same suspect was involved. Victims told police they were accosted at knifepoint or gunpoint and pulled into dark, secluded areas, such as woods or alleys. The incidents were reported in the morning before schools opened, or in the late afternoon.