Massachusetts prosecutors want cross-country rape suspect locked up before trial

Massachusetts prosecutors planned to ask a judge to keep a man suspected of raping women in several states locked up while he's awaiting trial.

Authorities said Gregory Lewis cut off his court-ordered electronic monitoring device and fled Massachusetts after being charged in the rape of a 13-year-old girl. He was captured in New York last month after what police said was a cross-country crime spree.

Lewis, 26, of Southbridge, was ordered temporarily held without bail last week after he was brought back to Massachusetts and arraigned on 17charges in the girl's rape and an alleged attack on his step-father. Lewis pleaded not guilty.

A hearing was scheduled in Worcester Superior Court Monday, when prosecutors were expected to argue that Lewis is a danger to the public and should continue to be locked up.

Lewis is suspected of robbing and raping female escorts in Colorado, Indiana, Missouri, Oregon, North Carolina and Utah.

Massachusetts state police have said Lewis told several people that his goal was to return to Massachusetts to kill his 13-year-old accuser.

Lewis was captured in the village of Fort Edward, New York, after driving into the Hudson River while fleeing from a traffic stop.

During an interview with Southbridge police, Lewis said he met the girl after she prank called him with her friends in June. He denied having any sexual contact with her.