Rape suspect being sought in Henry County

Authorities are looking for an Abbeville man who failed to show up for his sodomy and rape trial.

Assistant District Attorney David Atwell said Henry County Sheriff’s deputies are looking for Eddie James Richards Jr., 27, of Henry County Road 40. Richards has been charged with failure to appear and bond forfeiture.

Richards was arrested May 16, 2005, and charged with felony second-degree sodomy and felony second-degree rape, according to court records. He was released from custody after his arrest when he posted a $10,000 bond, according to court records. Atwell said Richards had also been charged with unrelated felony second-degree burglary.