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High bail set for convicted rapist in Beacon Hill rape, burglary

BOSTON (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) A convicted rapist was held on $1 million bail following his arraignment for the alleged rape of a Beacon Hill woman.

Anthony Williams was arraigned on charges that include aggravated rape, kidnapping, armed burglary, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and armed assault in a dwelling on Tuesday. His bail in a September assault and battery case was revoked during the arraignment.

Investigators allege that Williams followed a 28-year-old victim into her Beacon Hill apartment when she returned home after 2 a.m. on Nov. 10. They claim he forced his way into her apartment and threatened to kill her.

Police further allege that Williams held a kitchen knife to the victim's throat and sexually assaulted her. After the assault, Williams reportedly tied the victim to a piece of kitchen cabinetry and demanded the PIN number for her bank card. Investigators say Williams threatened to return to the apartment and kill her if she gave him a false PIN number.

The victim was able to free herself and went to a neighbor's apartment to call for help.

Williams is accused of stealing the victim's iPad, iPhone, jewelry, and ATM card. Boston Police obtained surveillance images from two ATMs where a man, who they believe to be Williams, used the victim's bank card.

Police posted the surveillance images at Boston area homeless shelters and one shelter worker reportedly stepped forward to identify the man in the images as Williams.

Investigators also say that a business in Dorchester purchased the stolen iPhone from a man who regularly sells them items. The store owner identified Williams as the man who sold him the phone after looking at a photo array.

Williams was sentenced to 12 to 14 years for a 1998 rape conviction in Essex County. He was also arraigned on July 31 for failure to register as a sex offender and again on Sept. 4 for assault and battery. Police say Williams has a criminal record that dates back to the late 80's.

Williams is scheduled to be back in court on Dec. 26.