NORWICH – An accused rapist appeared in county court Friday, one of the first in the area to answer to a new sex offender law.

Lance J. Mills, no age given, Columbus, is charged with first degree rape (B Felony) and predatory sexual assault (A-II Felony).

Mills, who is a registered sex offender, is among the first in the state and the first in Chenango County to face a tough new law aimed at severely punishing violent repeat sexual offenders, said Assistant District Attorney Stephen Dunshee.