DNA testing leads to discovery in case of 1986 sexual assault in Cherokee County

Cherokee County, Ga. – Deputies in Cherokee County say that DNA samples have led to arrest in a case of sexual assault that has remained a mystery for decades.

Almost 40 years have passed since the opening of the case. Now, authorities say that a 76 -year -old sex offender in Fulton County is facing charges.

Backstory:

In January 1986, a 19 -year -old employee at a conventions store on Hickory Flat Highway, closed the store, when officials say she was attacked while getting in her car.

According to investigators, the unidentified victim was taken to another location and sexually assaulted.

While at that time a sexual aggression kit was collected, it could not be tested due to technological limitations, and the case remained unresolved.

What do we know:

This has changed this year, when officials say they have found a match in the national DNA index system (Codis).

On Monday, the deputies arrested and accused Thomas Lamar Keith, 76 years old, from Atlanta, with rape and kidnapping about the case.

Officials say Keith is currently a registered sex offender living in Fulton County.

What do they say:

“I never thought this day will come. I want to thank the Cherokee sheriff’s office and detectives who have worked this case. Thank you that you have never given up. Everyone restored my faith in the justice system,” said the victim in a statement.

“This arrest is a huge step toward obtaining a justice for our victims, no matter how long it has passed. We hope it brings a certain measure of peace to the survivor,” said Sheriff Frank Reynolds.

What follows:

Keith is held unrelated to the Adult Detention Center in Cherokee County.

Investigators work on another case of sexual assault in the same year that was related to the same suspect. This case remains under the investigation.

Cherokee CountyCrim and Safetynews Public