Sexual offender accused of kidnapping, violating woman from Cherokee County almost 40 years ago

Nearly 40 years after a 19 -year -old woman was kidnapped and attacked in Cherokee County, an arrest was made.

Cherokee County Sheriff says that the matching DNA has helped to identify Thomas Lamar Keith 76, as a suspect.

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In January 1986, investigators say the young woman was closing at the Hickory Flat Highway shop where she worked. As she got in her car, she was attacked and taken to another location where she was sexually assaulted.

At that time, a sexual aggression kit was collected, but DNA technology was not advanced enough to determine a match.

The sheriff’s office says that the deputies arrested Keith on Monday and accused him of rape and kidnapping. He is currently a sexual offender registered in Fulton County.

“I never thought that this day will come. I want to thank the Cherokee sheriff’s office and detectives who worked this case. Thank you that you have never given up. Everyone restored my faith in the justice system,” the victim was identified, who asked not to be identified, he shared it.

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Investigators say that another case of sexual aggression in 1986 is currently being related to Keith.

“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.

Keith is currently owned in the Center for Adult Detention in Cherokee County.

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