COTTONWOOD, Ariz. – A man wanted for a violent kidnapping and sexual assault in the Verde Valley was hit with an 11-count grand jury indictment on Thursday, though he has already been sitting in a New England jail cell for nearly a month.

What we know:

Joshua Severance, 39, is facing multiple counts of sexual assault and kidnapping with a dangerous weapon after an attack reported in Cottonwood back in May.

Arizona prosecutors are now launching formal extradition proceedings to bring him back across the country to face trial.

The backstory:

The investigation began on May 20 after a woman reported being attacked near State Route 89A and 12th Street. Police say Severance used a weapon to kidnap and sexually assault the victim, and even blocked her from using a phone to call for help.

While local detectives were working the case in Arizona, Severance reportedly fled to Vermont, where his run from the law quickly ended. On June 4, police in the city of Rutland spotted Severance on patrol and arrested him on a local warrant for luring a child and distributing child pornography, both felony counts.

Dig deeper:

Severance has been held in Vermont on a $25,000 bond since that arrest while Arizona authorities prepared the July 2 indictment on these charges:

• 3 counts of felony sexual assault
• 2 counts of felony kidnapping with a dangerous weapon
• 2 counts of felony attempted sexual assault
• 1 count of felony sexual extortion with a dangerous weapon
• 1 count of felony aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon
• 1 count of felony sexual abuse
• 1 count of felony weapons misconduct
• 1 count of felony criminal damage
• 1 count of misdemeanor preventing the use of a telephone

What they’re saying:

“We are grateful for all the information and leads provided by the public throughout this investigation,” Cottonwood Police said in a statement. “While there is still work to be done, we want to formally recognize and thank all the officers, detectives, and civilian staff who have worked tirelessly on this case. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to justice have been exemplary throughout this complex investigation.”

What you can do:

Detectives are still asking anyone with more information about the suspect to call the department at 928-634-4246.

What’s next:

Severance is scheduled to face a Vermont judge on July 20 pending the extradition proceedings.

Emergency crews were searching for a young girl and a man reported missing at Arrowhead Mountain Lake in northern Vermont on Wednesday night.

Vermont State Police said they responded to the lake in the Franklin County town of Georgia shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday along with multiple emergency crews.

The incident was first reported around 7:50 p.m. near the intersection of Highbridge Road, also known as Route 104A, and Arrowhead Lake Road. Initial reports indicated that a group of relatives were fishing along the shore when a young girl fell into the water and a man jumped in to try to rescue her. Neither person has been seen since.

A search was underway Wednesday night on the water near where the Lamoille River empties into the lake. Agencies involved include fire departments from Fairfax, Georgia and Milton, Colchester Technical Rescue, Fairfax Rescue and multiple components of the Vermont State Police.

Search crews planned to remain on scene as long as conditions permitted Wednesday night, returning as needed first thing Thursday morning.

No additional were released. State police said they will provide updates as the search continues.

The Vermont Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.