Feds on trail of man on the run

A Wagener man who is on the run for rape and kidnapping charges now has the federal government on his trail, too.

Robert S. Carver is believed to have fled to Cancun, Mexico, after a probe into a 2006 sexual assault focussed on him. He is now facing a further federal charge of fleeing to avoid prosecution. His parents were arrested two years ago for obstructing justice.

On Nov. 14, 2006, officers say Carver sexually assaulted the victim at a home in Warrenville. He then is accused of preventing the victim from calling 911 by destroying her cellular telephone. Authorities say the suspect grabbed two small children from the victim and then kicked and dented the victim's car.

On Nov. 16, 2006, warrants were issued for Carver for criminal sexual conduct in the first degree, kidnapping and unlawful neglect by a legal custodian. Sheriff's office deputies informed Carver of the charges and he agreed to turn himself in.

It is alleged by authorities that Carver's parents, Randy T. Kitchings, 55, and Pamela S. Kitchings, 52, both aided their son's flee from justice. They were both charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact in January 2007.

According to an affidavit released to support the new charge, Pamela Kitchens used her credit card to purchase two tickets from Columbia, S.C. to Cancun, Mexico on Nov. 23, 2006. The investigation also tracked multiple wire transfers of funds to Carver.

When arrested, Pamela Kitchens admitted to wiring money on several occasions. Randy Kitchens told authorities that Carver was living in Cancun with his girlfriend named as Rachel Robinson, who is said to also be a South Carolina resident.

As part of the affidavit, a letter from Second Circuit Solicitor Strom Thurmonds Jr. is referenced. Thurmond has told federal authorities that once Carver is apprehended his office intends to seek extradition to South Carolina.

Contact Mike Gellatly at mgellatly@aikenstandard.com.