Published: October 02, 2009 10:26 am      

10:25 am: Man arrested in rape case

TRAVERSE CITY — Police arrested a Buckley man suspected of beating and raping a woman inside her home.

Charles Elmer Kovary, 37, is believed to be one of three men who entered the woman's Karlin Road residence at about 3 a.m. Tuesday. Two of the men beat the woman, and police believe Kovary sexually assaulted her, court documents show.

Police arrested Kovary Thursday morning during a traffic stop on M-37 near Red School Road. He was charged as a habitual offender with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and is held at the Grand Traverse County Jail.

Court documents reveal the victim knew Kovary since 2007, and previously organized a wedding reception for him at his residence.

Investigators wouldn't provide more details this morning. A 1 p.m. press conference about the incident is scheduled.

The woman suffered bruises and a broken nose.

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