Illegal immigrant indicted on rape charges

An illegal immigrant accused of raping a Red Bay woman in September was indicted by a Franklin County grand jury.

Francisco Mejia, 21, a Guatemalan man living in Red Bay illegally, was indicted for first-degree rape, Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said.

According to officials, Mejia and the victim were living near each other at the Village Green apartment complex in Red Bay when the incident occurred.

Rushing said the victim was outside her apartment when she was approached by Mejia and he began to make small talk.

After several minutes, Mejia asked the victim for a drink of water.

When the victim entered her apartment to get him a drink, the defendant entered the residence without the victim’s knowledge and forced himself on her, Rushing said.

First-degree rape is a Class A felony punishable by 10 years to life in prison if convicted.