A man who allegedly abducted a woman on an Athens street early Wednesday has been charged with false imprisonment and rape, police said Thursday morning.
James William Daniels, 57, was arrested Wednesday after Athens-Clarke County police said he coaxed a woman into his car on Broad Street about 12:15 a.m. Police released surveillance images and asked for help identifying and locating her; she was later found safe.
Officials confirmed Thursday that the woman is a University of Georgia student.
Daniels has an “extensive criminal history,” including child pornography and violent sexual assault, GBI Special Agent Mike Ayers said. He was out on probation or parole.
Police believe Daniels may be linked to other attempted abductions in the area. They asked anyone who may have come in contact with him or his black Nissan Sentra to reach out to Detective Michael Poole at Michael.Poole@accgov.com or 706-613-3330, ext. 794.
In a statement, UGA said it is grateful the student was found safe.
“We appreciate the quick work of our local law enforcement and will continue to assist with the investigation as needed,” the statement said. “We urge anyone with further information about this case or potentially related incidents to contact ACCPD.”
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