TUSCUMBIA — A Colbert County man who has avoided law enforcement officials for 17 months has been taken into custody and charged with first-degree rape, authorities said today.

Odis O'Neal Stanback, 52, 809 N. Nashville Ave., Sheffield, was indicted in September 2011 and is charged with first-degree rape, Sheffield police said.

Authorities said Stanback reportedly raped a woman at his house in 2010.

Colbert County Sheriff Ronnie May said deputies have been searching for Stanback since the indictment was released.

Stanback is being held in the Colbert County Jail on a property bond of $100,000.

First-degree rape is a Class A felony and is punishable by 10 years to life in prison, if convicted.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaiy.com.