Handyman charged with attempted rape

An Ellicott City man has been charged with the attempted rape of a woman who had hired him to do work in her home.

Howard County police said Michael Anthony Harris, 50, has been hired by the victim to do some painting and home repairs. The victim told police she had provided Harris with a key to her home at his request.

On June 10, the victim returned to her home in Woodstock about 5:30 p.m. She said she found Harris in her basement shirtless and standing on the stairs. He then began to make provocative comments, making the woman feel uncomfortable, police said. She moved toward her front door, where Harris blocked the exit and made sexual advances, she told police.

Police said the woman pleaded with Harris to stop. He then said he would return the next day.
The woman reported the incident to police, who then waited at her home the next day for Harris to return.

Harris has been charged with attempted second-degree rape and second-degree assault. He was released from the Howard County Detention Center Saturday after posting $15,000 bond.

-- Phillip Lucas