UNITY – A local man has been arrested on charges of gross sexual assault and domestic assault after allegedly abusing a female acquaintance and forcing her to engage in a sex act against her will.

Wayne Chandler, 30, of Unity was arrested without incident by Maine State Police Trooper Jason Richards on Wednesday. He was booked at the Waldo County Jail and bail was set at $50,000 single surety or $5,000 cash.

Richards said the alleged sexual assault occurred overnight Saturday. He said the female, whose age was not disclosed, told him that Chandler attacked her after an argument. The female reported the assault at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

“He had been verbally abusing her all weekend and shook her on Monday,” Richards said. “During another argument this morning she called 911 for help.”

Richards said Chandler had left the home by the time the officer arrived. He said he took the female’s statement and found Chandler at another home in Unity a short time later.