A Kingsport man has been arrested by the Grainger County Sheriff’s Department on rape and drug charges.
Rickey Dean Sells, 54, of 2113 Cypress St., was arrested Wednesday during a traffic stop in New Tazewell. Authorities were looking for Sells, according to a Grainger County police report, after a woman claimed he had sexually assaulted her.
The report says the woman was in Sells’ car after attending a wrestling match in Rutledge. Sells allegedly stopped the vehicle at a lake access on Highway 11-W and began kissing, groping and penetrating the woman. The woman said she told Sells to stop, with him replying, “I’m just trying to make you happy,” and continuing the sexual assault.
After approximately three minutes, according to the report, the victim’s cell phone rang and she told the caller what was occurring. Sells then drove the woman home, allegedly stating he’d have to find another route to Kingsport because the police would be looking for him.
The woman met police at a nearby gas station while New Tazewell police stopped Sells’ car on Highway 25-E.
Police say he had six pills in his possession, later identified as Clonazepam and hydrocodone.
Sells was arrested and charged with aggravated rape, possession of Schedule III drugs, and possession of Schedule IV drugs.