Pablo man charged with rape, kidnap

POLSON — A 32-year-old Pablo man is denying four felony charges after what prosecutors say was a brutal, six-hour attack on a female acquaintance last month.

Robert Mathewson is charged with two counts of sexual intercourse without consent, kidnapping and aggravated assault. KERR-AM reports defense attorney Britt Cotter entered not guilty pleas on Matthewson’s behalf Thursday.

Mathewson was arrested on June 24 and remains jailed with bail set at $150,000. District Judge Kim Christopher scheduled an Oct. 14 trial.

Court records say the woman reported Mathewson raped her, beat her and chased her down after she escaped, naked, from his residence. Charging documents say she escaped a second time, hid in the woods as she got dressed and ran to a friend’s house. She was taken to the hospital on June 19.