First Posted: 1/6/2010

LUMBERTON A Lumberton man who was arrested on Monday and charged with raping a 62-year-old woman has a lengthy criminal history, according to the North Carolina Department of Correction.
Mark Anthony Sampson, 48, of 507 Pine Log Road, was arrested at his home Monday afternoon and charged with first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping, and first-degree burglary, according to a sheriffs report. He was being held under a $100,000 bond.
Sampson has been incarcerated for more than 11 years for a range of crimes, including breaking and entering, larceny, writing worthless checks, escape from prison, common law robbery, and driving while intoxicated.
According to the report, the woman was awakened by a knock at her door at 1 a.m. Monday. The report said that Sampson asked the woman for money, jewelry, and a ride. She said she could not help him, but finally told him that he could use her phone from outside, according to the report.
The report said Sampson snatched open her screen door, forced his way inside, grabbing the woman and dragging her into a bedroom. He hit her in the face, choked her, and raped her. He then forced her to drive him home.
The woman and her family reported the alleged assault to the Sheriffs Office later that day.
The report said that the woman had substantial bruising on her neck and face.
Sampsons criminal history dates to 1981 and includes two counts of attempted second-degree rape, according to the North Carolina Department of Corrections. He was last released from prison in October 2008 after he was convicted for felonious restraint.
He has been incarcerated for more than 11 years for a range of crimes, including breaking and entering, larceny, writing worthless checks, escape from prison, common law robbery, and driving while intoxicated.