An Anderson man will return to court Thursday on sexual assault charges with special allegations of torture and infliction of great bodily injury. Shasta County Sheriff’s Deputies were called at 3:30AM on October 11th to a location near Balls Ferry and Ash Creek Road, where the victim was suffering severe injuries from a violent sexual assault. She had to be transported to a hospital for emergency surgery. Evidence collected at the scene and witness statements led to 42-year-old Mitchell Wayne French. He had allegedly met the victim at a business in Anderson and taken her by force. A warrant was issued and a few days later French was arrested at his home on Jason Court. A preliminary hearing was held January 8th and Thursday Mitchell is set for arraignment on the information.
-Steve Gibson