Sheriff's Office arrests suspect in elderly woman's kidnapping and rape

According to Sumter County Sheriff's Office, 66-year-old Edward Earl McElveen of Scenic Lake Mobile Home Park, Dalzell, has been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnapping and rape of a 78-year-old Dalzell woman. More charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

McElveen has been charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon; criminal sexual conduct, first degree; and kidnapping.
McElveen was convicted of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature on Sept. 1, 2005.

The victim was reportedly able to escape to a neighbor's house about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. The victim and McElveen knew each other, and she was able to identify him as her attacker. She is being treated for cuts, abrasions and bruises at Palmetto Health Tuomey, according to the sheriff's office.

McElveen refused to give a DNA sample, but one is on file with the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division because he is a registered sex offender. He will have a first appearance hearing Friday at 8 a.m. at Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center.

There is no reason to think this reported assault is connected to the disappearance of 80-year-old Barbara Nave.

More information will be released as it becomes available.