Local police work with Florida investigators to arrest rape suspect

JESUP, Ga. (WSAV) – A suspect faces rape charges following an investigation by the Jesup Police Department and law enforcement in Florida.

According to the Jesup Police Department, around 1 a.m. Monday morning, officers were called to a residence on S 1st Street for a report of a possible sexual assault.

Police said the suspect, Nehemiah Smith, left home after being found in a teenager’s bedroom with his private area exposed.

Later that day, detectives from the Daytona Beach Police Department contacted local law enforcement regarding a sexual assault involving Smith that occurred around 7 a.m., according to the Jesup Police Department.

Beaufort Company seeks public’s help in locating missing and endangered man

Investigators, in coordination with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, tracked Smith to a location in Jacksonville, where they took him into custody without incident.

Smith now faces two counts of attempted rape and child molestation.

He also faces a charge of theft by taking a motor vehicle for allegedly stealing a car from a family member’s home.

The Jesup Police Department said Smith will be taken to the Wayne County Jail for processing.

Anyone with additional information regarding the ongoing case is encouraged to contact Jesup Police Investigator C. Cope at: 912-427-1300.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Go to WSAV-TV for the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video.