A Haitian national has been charged with rape, forcible abduction, grievous sexual assault, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an incident in St. James last month.

He is Ezaie Simon of Dame Marie, Haiti.

Police say the incident occurred between Wednesday, April 16, and Thursday, April 17.

Police reports are that Simon and other men forcibly took a woman from her relative’s house.

They allegedly brought her to bushes in a nearby community where she was beaten and sexually assaulted by Simon.

Further reports are that he later called the woman’s relative and demanded $500,000 for her return.

On Friday, April 18, at about 8:00 P.M., Simon reportedly released the woman.

A report was made to the police, and Simon was arrested on Friday, April 25.

He was formally charged on Tuesday, May 6, following an identification parade.

His court date is being finalised.