DNA testing leads to breakthrough in 1986 sexual assault case in Cherokee County

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. - Cherokee County deputies say DNA evidence has led to an arrest in a sexual assault case that had remained a mystery for decades. 

It's been nearly 40 years since the case was opened. Now, authorities say a 76-year-old registered sex offender in Fulton County is facing charges.

The backstory:

In January 1986, a 19-year-old female employee at a convenience store on Hickory Flat Highway was closing up the store when officials say she was attacked as she got into her car. 

According to investigators, the unidentified victim was taken to another location and sexually assaulted. "She was attacked while getting into her car and then taken to a different location where she was assaulted," said Patty Pan, a Cherokee Sheriff’s Office public information officer. "At the time, there were no known suspects, so a sexual assault kit was done."

While a sexual assault kit was collected at the time, it was unable to be tested due to technological limitations and the case remained unsolved.

What we know:

 That changed this year, when officials say they found a match in the national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).

On Monday, deputies arrested and charged 76-year-old Thomas Lamar Keith of Atlanta with rape and kidnapping in connection with the case. 

Officials say Keith is currently a registered sex offender living in Fulton County.

Records show Keith was convicted of child molestation and cruelty to children in 2003. 

Thomas Lamar Keith (Courtesy of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office)

What they're saying:

 "I never thought this day would ever come. I want to thank the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office and the detectives who worked this case. Thank you for never giving up. You all have restored my faith in the justice system," the victim said in a statement.

"This arrest is a huge step towards getting much deserved justice for our victims no matter how much time has passed. We hope it brings some measure of peace to the survivor," said Sheriff Frank Reynolds.

"It's important to get justice for victims, no matter how much time has gone by," Pan said. "I really have to say, this is a true testament to our detectives' perseverance, their diligence, their hard work and never stopping."

What's next:

Keith is being held without bond at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.

Investigators are working on another sexual assault case from the same year that reportedly has been linked to the same suspect. That case remains under investigation.