Columbia County man accused of raping child

A Columbia County man is accused of raping a child younger than 13.

Investigators said the victim reported the rape at around 7:45 a.m. on Monday.

Thomas Simmons, 45, of Ghent, is accused of having sexual contact with the victim. Simmons was arrested after a search of his home, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Simmons was charged with two counts of first-degree rape. He was arraigned in Claverack Town Court and sent without bail to Columbia County Jail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Travis VanAlstyne at 518-828-0601 ext. 1405.