Released rape suspect surrenders

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DORCHESTER COUNTY, SC (WCSC) - Dorchester County Sheriff's deputies say a rape suspect who had been released from custody last fall after paperwork went unfiled, turned himself in early Saturday morning.

He's charged with a series of kidnappings and sexual assaults dating back to 1987.

The suspect, 52-year-old Herman Rigby Jr., was released from prison last October after serving time for armed robbery. Court papers state Rigby was released because the Dorchester County Detention Center never put a hold on him to be returned to the county.

"We're not pointing fingers. We're not going to blame anybody," Dorchester County Sheriff's Maj. John Garrison said. "All we're trying to do is make sure this situation gets back to where it's supposed to be."

Dorchester County learned of the suspect's release when one of his alleged victims called Summerville Police and asked about Rigby's status. After finding that Rigby was no longer incarcerated, Summerville Police contacted the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office and a warrant was issued to have him returned to custody.

Rigby was charged in April 2008 with a series of kidnappings and sexual assaults in Summerville and Dorchester County. He was identified as a suspect through DNA testing.

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