Suspect charged in '02 rape, kidnapping

A Tullahoma man who has been charged with a 2002 rape and kidnapping in Bedford County was appointed an attorney and will appear in court next month.

James Lynne Stewart, 51, of South Anderson Street, Tullahoma, is facing charges of aggravated rape, especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault and theft over $500.

Terry Hernando will represent Stewart at his next court appearance on Jan. 28.

According to warrants filed in General Sessions Court, Stewart allegedly raped a woman in her vehicle on Aug. 16, 2002 in Bedford County. He was arrested on Nov. 6 of this year by sheriff's deputies.

"During this confinement, he (Stewart) did assault the victim and she did suffer serious bodily injury," the warrant read. "Her left check was fractured and also did require three stitches and also required a stitch in her nose."

The warrant also stated the victim "also had bruising, cuts and scraps all about her head area."

The vehicle was allegedly taken from the victim from the Normandy area and it was discovered abandoned in the Bi-Lo parking lot in Tullahoma the next day by the Tullahoma Police Department, the warrants allege.

The warrant for aggravated rape states that Stewart "was aided by another male subject and they both did have to use force," but the warrant did not name the second person allegedly involved.

Stewart is currently being held at Bedford County Jail under $190,000 bond.