Athens man charged with raping child

By Joel Provano

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

An Athens man remained in jail Thursday, charged with raping an 11-year-old girl at his home.

Athens Police Department Elbert Tate, 33, was charged with raping an 11-year-old girl.

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Athens-Clarke County police arrested Elbert Roman Tate, 33,  Tuesday on charges of rape, child molestation, aggravated sexual battery and sexual battery, the Athens Banner-Herald reported.

A woman who lives with Tate became suspicious after he made two trips in his wheelchair to use a restroom on the other side of the home, even though there was another one next to their bedroom,  police Capt. Clarence Holeman told the Banner-Herald. One one occasion, Tate, who is legless, was gone for 45 minutes, Holeman said.

After Tate left the house, the girl told her mother that he came into her room, got in bed with her and then fondled and raped her, Holeman told the newspaper.

Tate is being held without bond.