GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A convicted rapist who disappeared from court last week is back behind bars Monday.
Investigators said they found Gary Simmons in the attic of his girlfriend's home Saturday night.
Reporter Ken Lemon talked with the Belmont residents who were shocked to learn Simmons was hiding in their neighborhood.
Lemon is working to learn how long Simmons hid inside the home on Carson Street.
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On Monday, Simmons, who was out on bond, walked away from court as jury deliberations began in his rape trial.
The jury convicted Simmons of raping a 14-year-old girl.
His disappearance sparked a nationwide search.
Sheriff's investigators set up surveillance at the home of his girlfriend Robin Lackey and determined he was hiding there.
Police charged Lackey with harboring an escapee.
Both Simmons and Lackey will face a judge Monday afternoon.
On Eyewitness News starting at 5 p.m., Ken Lemon will report on their hearings and share how a convicted rapist hid for six days in the most obvious place.
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