DRESDEN, TN – The man police call the "pot-bellied rapist" is facing two new rape charges. Bruce Tuck was arrested in September and charged with raping a student at UT-Martin in August. Two new indictments came out of a special grand jury meeting Monday.
Tuck returned to court Thursday morning to plead “not guilty” to several charges of aggravated rape, kidnapping, and burglary.
"The more serious charges would be the two aggravated rapes on each of the three indictments and related charges,” said District Attorney Tommy Thomas. “There are a total of 22 counts on the three indictments."
Prosecutors said they moved quickly to call a grand jury for the sake of the victims.
"We were able to get all the cases prepared, and to move the case along, primarily for the victims,” Thomas said. "I've been in contact with the victims, and they appreciate the process, we're keeping them advised every step of the way as to what's going on."
Tuck's bond is $750,000. He'll spend 30 days in Nashville undergoing a mental health evaluation by state psychiatrists.
“Just as soon as they get through with the mental evaluation, we'll pick him up and bring him back here,” said Weakley County Sheriff Mike Wilson.
Tuck returns to court Jan. 7. Tuck is also a suspect in two rapes cases in Shelby County, but he not been indicted here.
