NORWICH– Police have arrested a 47-year-old North Carolina man for allegedly forcing a 27-year-old woman to have sex with him.

The New York State Police arrested Lester Dvonne Elkins of Clinton, North Carolina, and charged him with first degree rape and first degree criminal sexual act.

Police reported that the rape allegedly took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Dec. 27. Police investigators said the woman was in a room, at the Super 8 Motel in the Town of Norwich when the crime occurred.

The joint investigation was conducted by members of the New York State Police located in Norwich and in North Syracuse. The troopers are still continuing their investigation.