From Tribune staff reports
BLOUNT COUNTY — A 57-year-old Warrior man has been arrested and charged with first degree rape, first degree kidnapping, two counts of sex-abuse of a child less than 12 years of age, first degree unlawful Imprisonment and obstructing government operations, according to a statement from the Blountsville Police Department.
“The identity of the victim will not be released due to the victim’s age and the nature of the offenses,” Blountsville Police Chief Shane Best said. “Our department does not have any additional information to provide at this time.”
Johnny Ray Chandler of Smoke Rise is currently being held in the Blount County Correctional Facility without bond.
“All defendants, including Mr. Chandler, are presumed to be innocent unless and until such time as their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” police said in a statement posted on social media.
District Attorney Pamela L. Casey is asking that Chandler be held without bond under Aniah’s Law, in which case the court may deny bond to any defendant charged with rape in the first degree or kidnapping in the first degree.
“I do not want to comment on the allegations at this time,” Casey said. “This is a continuing investigation and we will present our evidence to the court at the appropriate time. My office has filed a motion asking the court to deny the defendant bond pursuant to Aniah’s Law. I expect a hearing on our request to be scheduled within the time provided by law.”