A Root man is facing a six-count indictment for allegedly abducting a woman, restraining her for over 12 hours, subjecting her to sexual contact and causing a stupor when he obstructed her nose and mouth in January, according to court records.

Charles Gray, 49, was indicted on charges of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree strangulation, third-degree assault, second-degree aggravated harassment and second-degree harassment by a Montgomery County grand jury.

Gray on Friday was taken into custody at his home in Root by the state police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Special Operations Response Team and arraigned in Montgomery County Court before Judge Lorraine Diamond. He was remanded without bail.

The specific circumstances surrounding the incident, including how it unfolded or whether there was a pre-existing relationship between Gray and the victim, were not included in the unsealed indictment obtained from Montgomery County Court. The name of the victim was redacted from the court records.

The indictment alleges Gray abducted the woman in the town of Root on Jan. 22 and restrained her for more than 12 hours with the intent to inflict physical injury or violate her sexually.

During the course of the incident, Gray allegedly subjected the woman to forced sexual contact, obstructed her breathing, caused her physical injury, “hit” her and threatened her, according to the indictment.

“This indictment reflects the ongoing work of law enforcement to ensure those accused of dangerous conduct are held accountable. I commend the victim for having the courage and strength to come forward and I thank the Grand Jury for their careful review of the evidence, all of which brought this defendant before the court,” Montgomery County District Attorney Christina Pearson said in a statement.

A court clerk on Monday said staff were awaiting confirmation from attorneys regarding their availability to schedule Gray’s next court appearance.

Gray was previously charged in Montgomery County with second-degree criminal contempt for allegedly violating an order of protection in March 2020 after he called 911 to report an unresponsive female who was not breathing. The woman ultimately died.

Montgomery County sheriff’s officials at the time........

© The Leader Herald