A Roanoke Rapids man remained in the Halifax County Detention Center as of this report following a rape investigation by the city’s police department that began last week.

According to detention center records, Benjamin William France, 24, was being held on a $75,000 secured bond and will have a June 27 district court appearance.

Roanoke Rapids police Chief Shane Guyant said on May 11 the department began an investigation into an alleged rape which occurred in the city.

After speaking with the victim and collecting evidence, probable cause was found and an arrest warrant was issued for France, who Guyant said knew the victim.  

France was charged with second-degree rape and second-degree sexual offense. 

He was arrested on the charges Thursday and had an initial district court appearance Friday where a bond and his next district court date was set.