ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Athens-Clarke County police officers have charged a 19-year-old man in connection with the rape of a female University of Georgia student.

On Saturday, about 1:40 a.m., officers responded to a report about a sexual assault that occurred near the 400 block of North Thomas Street in Athens.

Athens-Clarke police identified the suspect, who was unknown to the victim, as Tydarius Wingfield.

Police said Wingfield approached the student and asked to walk her home. He then forced her behind a building, where he took advantage of her, police said.

“During the interaction, the suspect forced the female behind a building where he sexually assaulted her,” Athens-Clarke police said in a news release.

Athens-Clarke officers were able to identify him and track Wingfield’s movements throughout downtown Athens using the Real Time Crime Center’s (RTCC) downtown camera system, they said.

Wingfield has been charged with kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery, battery and rape, according to Athens-Clarke County jail records.

It is unknown whether Wingfield is a current or former UGA student.

This is not Wingfield’s first brush with the law.

According to court records obtained by Atlanta News First, Wingfield was arrested on battery charges in June 2024.

He was also arrested in connection with the theft of a scooter in April 2025, according to court records.

In November 2025, Wingfield pleaded guilty to theft by taking and was sentenced to 12 months’ probation, 40 hours of community service and was banned from all University of Georgia property, according to court documents.

Athens-Clarke police continue to investigate this incident. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Athens-Clarke Police Department at 762-400-7173.

This is a developing story. Stick with Atlanta News First as we learn more.

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