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DUANE BOURNEThe victim met George S. Kent behind a bar to do drugs when he attacked her, dragged her into a shed and raped her, authorities say.
BROOKSVILLE - A 35-year-old man faces the possibility of life in prison after he was accused of raping a woman at knifepoint behind the Crossroads Bar & Grill in south Brooksville on Monday.
George S. Kent was being held Tuesday at Hernando County Jail without bail.
Authorities said the 42-year-old victim, who was not identified because of the nature of the allegations, met the suspect and agreed to go behind the bar at 25 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. to do drugs, a sheriff's report said.
While behind the bar, Kent allegedly struck the woman on her face and body several times with his fist.
He knocked the woman to the ground, where he then leaned his knee into her neck, causing her to lose consciousness, the report said.
Kent then dragged the woman into a nearby shed, where he ripped her pants and shirt off and sexually assaulted her before leaving the scene, the report said.
Bleeding from her injuries, the woman flagged down a passer-by who drove her to Brooksville Regional Hospital.
At the hospital, the woman told a Hernando County detective that during the attack, Kent pulled out a pocketknife and began to make small cuts on her body, the report said.
The victim suffered several cuts around her neck and lips as well as bruises over her body. Two of her false teeth were also knocked loose during the alleged incident.
The teeth, as well as jewelry, a purse and clothing, were recovered behind the Crossroads bar and taken for evidence, the report said.
Kent was taken into custody on Monday and booked into the jail about 7:30 p.m. after the victim identified him through photographs. She also led them to Room 118 at the Budget Inn, 1795 E Jefferson St., where he had been living.
Sheriff's spokeswoman Deputy Donna Black could not say how the victim and suspect were acquainted, but categorized the incident as "certainly a terrifying experience."
Kent was charged with sexual battery while armed.
Because the crime was allegedly committed while Kent brandished a pocketknife and injured the woman, the offense is considered a life felony.
If convicted, Kent could face a sentence of life in prison.
Duane Bourne can be reached at 352 754-6114 or dbourne@sptimes.com