Sheriff James R. Metts says detectives arrsted Eddie Jamar Bamberg, 23, of Columbia on Saturday. Bamberg faces charges including first-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, possessing a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and possessing marijuana.
/ LCSD
LEXINGTON COUNTY, SC (WACH) - A Columbia man is accused of kidnapping an 11-year-old girl and raping her at gunpoint, according to the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.
Sheriff James R. Metts says detectives arrested Eddie Jamar Bamberg, 23, on Saturday. Bamberg faces charges including first-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, possessing a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and possessing marijuana.
Authorities say around 4 a.m. Saturday the girl's father called the sheriff's department to report that his daughter had been sexually assaulted. A medical examination was performed on the 11-year-old at a local hospital.
Metts says the father told deputies that his daughter ran away around 12 a.m. Saturday because she was facing discipline from her parents.
Bamberg is accused of taking the girl to a motel on Burning Tree Drive near Irmo, forcing her to enter a room he had rented, pointing a gun at her, forcing her to smoke marijuana and forcing her to have sexual intercourse with him, according to the sheriff's report. Bamberg is said to be acquated with the girl's mother.
Metts said the girl later escaped from the motel room and walked to her cousin's home where she was able to seek help.
If convicted, Bamberg faces up to 30 years in prison for first-degree criminal sexual conduct and up to 30 years in prison for kidnapping, if convicted.
Bamberg was being held Monday Lexington County Detention Center on bail totaling $260,000.
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