Wanted man turns himself in to police

ROCKLAND – A man sought by police for nearly a week on sexual assault charges turned himself in Friday.

William “Billy” Rankin, 38, of Lincolnville arrived with his attorney at the Knox County Law Enforcement Center in Rockland at 12:30 p.m., Chief Deputy Todd Butler of the Knox County Sheriff’s Department said Friday.

Rankin was arrested and charged with gross sexual assault, kidnapping and violating bail conditions. Rankin had been convicted earlier this summer on assault and terrorizing charges and was out on bail. He was scheduled to begin serving his sentence on Sept. 1, Waldo County Chief Deputy Bob Keating said Friday.

Rankin is being held without bail, Keating said.

Police were looking for Rankin after they received a complaint of sexual assault from a woman. The woman, who knew Rankin, told police he held her against her will.

The woman was treated at Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport and released, Keating said. Earlier this week, Keating described the attack on the woman as “brutal.”