Virginia Highland Rape Suspect Michael Parker Accused Of Being Con Artist

ATLANTA -- A man recently arrested in the rape of a woman in northeast Atlanta’s Virginia Highland community has also been charged as a con artist.

The Atlanta Police Department’s fugitive team arrested 68-year-old Michael Parker on Wednesday. He was charged with rape, false imprisonment, aggravated sodomy, armed robbery and theft by deception.

The victim was sexually assaulted at her home on Rosedale Road on Dec. 26, Atlanta police said. They said the man forced his way into the home, armed with a kitchen knife.

Police searched the area with K-9 units, but months went by with no arrest. The news was especially upsetting to neighbors in light of a recent crime wave in the area.

”That’s the most violating thing that can happen to you as a woman, neighbor Alexandra Stiber told Channel 2’s Ryan Young.

Meanwhile, Atlanta and DeKalb County police were also looking for a man who they said bilked several people out of money with a dramatic but phony story. One victim said she was out $300 after the man convinced her he needed the money after his daughter was hit by a drunken driver.

”He said he needed to it to get back to his home. Someone from his church helped him get here, victim Anne Armistead told Channel 2’s Linda Stouffer.

On Wednesday, police concluded Parker was the man responsible for both crimes.

Parker’s arrest came as a relief to residents, particularly because he is a repeat offender. His rap sheet dates back to the 1980s and includes numerous forgery and theft by deception charges. He was being held at the Fulton County Jail.