Lawrence Resident Charged With Aggravated Kidnapping, Attempted Rape and Aggravated Battery

06/18/2010
CONTACT INFO: Charles Branson Douglas County District Attorney 785-841-0211 cbranson@douglas-county.com Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announced today Lawrence resident Mr. William E. Nichols, 30, was charged in Douglas County District Court with Aggravated Kidnapping (level 1/person/felony), Attempted Rape (level 3/person/felony) and Aggravated Battery (level 7/person/felony). Depending on any prior criminal history, the Aggravated Kidnapping charge carries a possible prison sentence of 147-653 months, the Attempted Rape charge carries a possible prison sentence of 55 -247 months and the Aggravated Battery charge carries a possible sentence of 11-34 months. Investigation into the case began when officers with the Lawrence Police Department (LPD) were dispatched on Wednesday, June 16 at approximately 3:15 p.m. to the section of the bike/walking trail that runs between the YSI soccer fields and Clinton Lake. The call was placed by citizens who assisted the victim in freeing herself from her attacker. LPD officers set up a secure perimeter and were able to apprehend the suspect when he attempted to flee the area. Mr. Nichols' next court appearance was scheduled for a no-go preliminary hearing on June 22 at 9:30 a.m. in Division Six. Bond was set at $500,000 and Mr. Michael Clarke was court appointed to represent him. The charges listed are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. -30-

Media Contact:
Cheryl L. Wright - Assistant to the District Attorney
District Attorney's Office
785-841-0211
cwright@douglas-county.com