Police arrest suspect in sexual assaults

Updated July 3, 2008 at 8:58 am; Originally published July 2, 2008 at 5:49 am. By Chris Giganti.

Michael Anthony WashingtonPolice have arrested a suspect in the various sexual assaults during the past year, most of them downtown, that had left many concerned for their safety and officials urging caution among residents. Michael Anthony Washington of Ravenel was arrested at his home and faces charges in both Charleston and North Charleston.

From The Post and Courier:

Charleston police charged him with two counts of first-degree burglary, first-degree criminal sexual conduct and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. North Charleston police charged him with first-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree burglary.

Also, The Post and Courier reports that Washington faced similar charges last November, and has a history of convictions on other charges:

North Charleston police arrested Michael Anthony Washington, 30, Nov. 26 on charges of first-degree burglary and first-degree criminal sexual conduct. A State Law Enforcement Division criminal history does not show the current status of those charges. Charleston County Clerk of Court records show that Washington posted bail and left the jail on Dec. 17.

State records show he served time in state prison as a youthful offender in 1997 on a charge of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. His record also shows past convictions for simple assault, driving under suspension, failure to appear in court on a marijuana charge, refusing to leave public premises and breaking into a motor vehicle.

Update: The Post and Courier reports that Washington is being held without bail. The paper also says that Washington is the son of McKinley Washington Jr., a former state senator.