AHOSKIE – The search is over for a rape suspect.

Edward William Valentine, 38, was arrested by the Ahoskie Police Department shortly before 10 a.m. on Wednesday. The arrest came after Valentine surrendered, his own accord, to his Hertford County probation officer earlier on Wednesday.

Valentine was charged with four felonies – one count of second degree forcible rape and three counts of second degree sexual offense. He was placed in the Hertford County Jail under a $125,000 secured bond.

He was sought by the Ahoskie Police Department following the report of an alleged rape that occurred last week at an Ahoskie residence. The Ahoskie Police were informed of the incident through a call from Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in regards to a female victim of a rape.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh said information obtained from the victim led officers to believe that she and the suspect were past acquaintances. Apparently, the suspect and the victim were attending a party at an Ahoskie residence. It was reported they left that location en route to another Ahoskie residence where the rape occurred.

It isn’t the first time Valentine has been on the wrong side of the law. He has a long criminal history dating back to 1989. He was released from prison in January of this year after serving an active six-year sentence for drug charges. He also has served time for other drug charges as well as an arrest record that includes DWI, providing false information, resisting arrest and driving while license were revoked.