Police: Polk man enticed, raped teen

BARTOW, Fla. (FOX 13) - Bartow police are continuing to investigate allegations against a 23-year-old Marquis Wright after a teen came forward claiming he assaulted her numerous times in an abandoned home. 

The victim said that initially she agreed to meet up with Wright, but then tried to leave after she became uncomfortable. The teen said when no one could pick her up, Wright took her to the abandoned home where she spent the next three days.

In the affidavit, the teen claimed she escaped through a window and into the woods when Bartow police showed up to arrest Wright for an unrelated warrant. 

But Wright's grandmother, who lives near the abandoned house, said the allegations are “pure lies.”

She told FOX 13 that she had met the girl, who told her she was 19 years old and from New York. Wright's grandmother also said the teen spent the three days going to work with Wright and spending time outside. She claims that in no way was the girl held against her will. 

However, this isn't the first time Wright has made headlines. Back in July of 2017, was arrested for resisting arrest. The incident left some community members outraged as some said the police used unnecessary force. 

In 2017, acquaintances had nothing but good things to say about Wright. 

"He's a musician, he coaches basketball in the community, so you can't paint him as some thuggish person that is uncivilized," said Pastor Clayton Cowart in a previous interview with FOX 13. 

But later that month, Wright was arrested again. This time he was accused of holding two 16-year-old victims against their will after they tried to leave his home. 

Those allegations closely mirror Wright's latest charges. However, Wright's family maintains that these claims simply aren't true.

Bartow police said their investigation is ongoing. They told FOX 13 more charges could be on the way.