Man with history of sexual assault accused of luring woman into car in Athens

ATHENS, Ga. — Police say a man convicted of violent sexual assaults coerced a University of Georgia student into his car early Wednesday morning in an attempted abduction attempt near the University of Georgia campus.

The victim was located and is safe, though police haven't released details on her condition or how she was found. The suspect has been identified as 57-year-old James William Daniels. He has been charged with false imprisonment and rape.

Channel 2's Lauren Pozen was in Athens. where police were giving out few details but said they are concerned there could be more victims.

"We have received additional information that potentially this is not the first attempted victim this individual has had in this area," Mike Ayers, the special agent in charge said.

Police said Daniels has a history of distribution of child pornography and violent sexual assault convictions.

Channel 2 Action News distributed the victim's picture Wednesday morning to try to help police identify her. Police have since asked us to conceal the victim's identity now that she has been located safely.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said witnesses saw the student being forcefully put into a black Nissan Sentra in downtown Athens around 12:15 a.m. Wednesday and drive away.

Officials said Daniels forced the victim into the car on Broad Street, which was later seen at Boulevard Avenue and Chase Street.

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Police say a witness was able to jot down the plate number on the car, which helped them find the victim.

Ayers is asking for the UGA community to take a good look at the car and call if they've had any contact with it or the person inside.

"The individual has on more than one other occasion attempted to coerce females into his vehicle," Ayers said.

Pozen talked to students at UGA, who are shaken.

"You might be going home and someone can just come snatch you and throw you in the car," one student said. "It's horrible."

The investigation is ongoing. Officials are asking for anyone who has any information to contact police.

Cox Media Group