Accused Big Belly Rapist Indicted

A Weakley County grand jury indicted 35 year-old Bruce Tuck Monday, months ahead of schedule. The suspected serial rapist’s case wasn't supposed to be presented until January, but was specially convened, says the District Attorney General.

"The cases were prepared in order to expedite the process primarily for the victims so we can get moving and hopefully resolve it," said Tommy Thomas, District Attorney General for Obion and Weakley Counties.

The 3 indictments handed up contain twenty-two criminal charges. Tuck is accused in 3 separate aggravated rapes all in Martin, Tennessee over the summer. It's alleged that while hiding behind a ninja mask, he robbed and stole from his victims who described him as having a big belly. And in the last crime committed before his arrest, prosecutors say he confined one of his victims mother's and father's who were in the house at the time.

"I'm happy the grand jury saw fit to indict," Thomas said.

Tuck has been behind bars since being picked up at his home in Gleason, Tennessee on September 2nd. He's not just wanted in Weakley County. Authorities in Shelby County are looking at him for at least 2 other rapes this summer, but have not formally charged him. Tuck will be arraigned later this week. However if he makes bail, Thomas says Tuck has a hold on him and he may not go far.

"Shelby County wants him. They'll pick him up if he were to be released. But I don't think it's a likely possibility that he'll make bail," Thomas said.

The Shelby County District Attorney General's Office tells Fox 13 the case is still under investigation.