- The Washington Times - Thursday, May 9, 2013

The man at the center of the Cleveland kidnap and hostage case of three women who were taken nearly a decade ago is due to make his first appearance in court on Thursday.

Ariel Castro, 52, will be arraigned on kidnapping and rape charges, Fox News reported.

The former Cleveland school bus driver is suspected of detaining the women in his house with chains and rope, abusing them sexually and fathering at least one of their children — a 6-year-old girl.

The three — Amanda Berry, 27, Michele Knight, 32, and Gina DeJesus, 23 — were able to escape the home where they were held on Monday.

Police say it’s still a mystery how they were held for so long.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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