Man charged with raping 12-year-old

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (WIVB) - He's accused in a terrifying crime and Thursday, authorities released new details about a suspected kidnapper in the southern tier.

It is big news in Chautauqua County. Authorities confirmed Thursday afternoon that the man who they thought abducted and raped a little Jamestown girl last month now stands accused of the crime. Residents expressed relief.

Angela Hamrick, a single mother of two, has always been cautious, but more so now after the recent abduction and rape of their 12-year-old friend.

Hamrick said, "My kids will never be allowed down stairs without me again. They can't go outside without me anymore. It changed a lot for a lot of people."

Last week, authorities tied 22-year-old Eric Chant to the stolen vehicle used in the August abduction. On Thursday, Chautauqua County District Attorney David Foley announced that he now stands accused in a five count indictment that includes felony predatory sexual assault against a child and rape.

Foley said, "We're not going into detail, but clearly the evidence is he entered the home, took her out, removed her to a secluded area and his intent was to have sex with her."

Investigators say Chant was masked when he entered the girl's home. She was sleeping on the first floor. Her parents were upstairs. DNA allegedly linked him to the sex crime. Authorities declined to talk about how Chant knew the girl, but claim it wasn't a random act.

"I'm not going to say he was overtly familiar with her, but I don't think she was aware of him," said Chant.

Jamestown residents breathed a sigh of relief when he was tied to the crime last week, but obviously there's more relief knowing he's tied to the abduction. Those who know the 12-year-old girl applaud her bravery and tenacity to escape.

"Well, she was smart. She left behind evidence to find the guy who did it. She took off rubber bands of braces, and threw them on a floorboard," said Hamrick.

Foley said, "I give a lot of credit to the girl. The case could have ended up differently."

Eric Chant remains at the Chautauqua County Jail. Bail was set at $500,000 cash. He could face 25 years to life if convicted of the crimes. He is scheduled to return to court on September 19th.