Suspect Charged After Sexual Assault Near Smith Collins Park

SMITHFIELD – A former Smithfield resident has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault reported earlier this month.

William Takeo Studivant, 23, was arrested December 29 in Charlotte on Smithfield Police Department warrants. He is charged with first-degree forcible sex offense, kidnapping, assault by strangulation, sexual battery, and domestic violence.

Police responded on December 13 to a report of a sexual assault in the vicinity of Smith Collins Park. Officers located the female victim and provided immediate assistance. The suspect had fled the scene before police arrived.

According to investigators, the victim and the suspect were known to each other, and the incident was not random.

Studivant was reportedly living in Smithfield at the time of the alleged assault but later moved. After an extensive search, investigators located him in Charlotte, where he had recently relocated.

Smithfield Police said that due to the nature of the investigation, there may be additional victims. Anyone who may have information related to the case or may be a victim is urged to contact Detective K. Smith at 919-934-2121.

Studivant was held without bail pending his first court appearance.