CCSO Detectives Arrest Sex Offender On Rape Complaint

Cleveland County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of recidivist sex offender, Mark Tullis, 52.

Authorities say Tullis picked up the victim, a 27-year-old woman, on December 13, in a strip mall parking lot at SE 44th and High. From there, Tullis took the victim to his home in Noble.

The victim reported Tullis tried to strangle her with a cell phone charging cable when she refused to have sex with him. She says Tullis then pulled aa knife on her, threatening to hurt her if she didn't comply. Tullis dropped the victim off at the hospital the next morning.

Through their investigation and the victim's interview, deputies were directed to the crime scene, described as a "shed."

The victim was able to describe the area she was taken to and Tullis' appearance. Police searched for sex offender registrants in the area and Tullis' name came up. The victim identified Tullis from a photographic lineup.

When police contacted and questioned Tullis, he admitted to pulling a knife on the victim and having sexual contact with her.

Records show Tullis is a Level III registered sex offender, convicted of multiple sexual assaults. He was released from Department of Corrections custody in September for his most recent crime, which happened in 2004.

News 9's Jessi Mitchell is following this story. Look for her live report on News 9 at 6.