A Union County man suspected of rape will face trial in December.
James W. Harris, 23, of El Dorado is scheduled to face trial on Dec. 2 at the Union County Courthouse. Harris faces charges of rape, aggravated assault on a family or household member and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Harris is suspected of raping a woman in May. According to court records, the woman visited his residence to retrieve her property on May 1; when she tried to leave, court documents allege, he choked her to the point of light-headedness before raping her.
On May 1, Harris was arrested, at which time Union County Sherriff’s deputies discovered a glass pipe used for smoking what appeared to be methamphetamine.
In August, Harris pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. On Oct. 15, Judge Robin Carroll granted a motion from the Union County Prosecutor’s office requesting Harris submit to DNA testing.
Harris’ trial is currently set for Dec. 2 through 5, starting at 9 a.m.
Caitlan Butler can be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected].