CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The suspect charged in a November sexual assault in west Charlotte was scheduled to face a judge Wednesday. His court date was moved to March 13, though, according to court records.
Octavis Wilson is facing was charged with first-degree kidnapping, second-degree forcible rape, assault on a female among other charges in connection with an alleged attack on Glenwood Drive, near Tuckaseegee Road, on Nov. 5.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said the victim was able to get away from the suspect and called 911 for help shortly after being assaulted in a port-a-potty near the intersection of Glenwood and Tuckaseegee. She told investigations the suspect hit her in the head and face several times, claiming Wilson said he wouldn't stop unless she gave him what he wanted, according to court documents obtained by WCNC Charlotte.
Wilson was taken into custody after officers spotted him less than a day after the reported attack. After an interview with detectives, Wilson was arrested and charged with multiple offenses.
In a controversial decision, retiring Mecklenburg County Judge Tracy Hewitt reduced Wilson's bond from $2 million to $50,000. Hewitt told Wilson, "we're gonna help you out" during a virtual hearing when he promised to "not mess up no more."
CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings voiced his frustration at Hewitt's decision on Twitter, saying it sends a bad message to the public.
"What kind of message are we sending to our citizens when they see these offenders get right back out after committing very serious crimes against them?" Jennings asked. "Our job is to do everything in our power to not only keep the community safe but to make them feel safe. We continue to ask our judicial partners to take these crimes just as serious as we do."
The investigation remains active. Any person with information about this assault or any other incident is asked to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
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