Second suspect arrested in connection to alleged rape at Columbus motel, police say

A 38-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault at a Columbus motel, according to police.

Eric Reid, of Columbus, was arrested Wednesday on five charges: rape, sexual battery, aggravated sodomy and two counts of violating probation.

Police say Reid was involved in the sexual assault of a woman at the Budgetel Inn and Suites located at 3170 Victory Drive between Dec. 19 and Dec. 20 of last year.

Reid is the second person arrested in this incident. The first was Samara Culpepper, 41, who appeared in court on Jan. 17.

The victim in the assault told police she decided to stay at the motel with Culpepper and Reid because it was late in the evening, CPD Detective Virginia Duncan testified in court. During the night, Culpepper came over to the bed the victim was sleeping in and began performing oral sex on her.

The victim tried to fight Culpepper off. Later, Reid also assaulted the victim while Culpepper watched on. Reid forced a finger inside of the victim and repeatedly attempted to penetrate her vaginally and anally, according to Duncan.

The entire incident lasted about an hour. The victim later called police to report the assault after receiving messages from Culpepper apologizing for the incident, Duncan said.

Reid will have his first appearance in Recorder’s Court at 9 a.m. Jan. 24.

This story was originally published January 23, 2020 at 1:00 PM.