Police in Georgia, USA, spent years searching for a serial rapist.

It turned out he was hiding in plain sight.

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Kenneth Thomas Bowen III, 24, was connected through DNA evidence to seven rapes and one sexual battery over the course of more than four years, Clayton County Police Department Chief Kevin Roberts said Wednesday.

Police believe he may be linked to other assault allegations in the area, but are yet to definitively determine that.

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His arrest, Roberts said, would bring relief to the community.

"Our agency has been investigating a series of sexual assaults and rapes that have been a cloud over our community," Roberts said.

"Today it’s my pleasure to remove that cloud."

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Bowen's identity was brought to the attention of detectives after they realised he was a previous police recruit.

He joined the Clayton County Police Academy in June 2018 before being fired in September for showing up late to training and lying about his whereabouts.

"Upon arriving, he gave multiple statements that differed as to where he was and who he was with. And I found that to be untruthful and a reason to remove him from our academy," Roberts said.

"In actuality, had he not attempted to join the ranks of the Clayton County Police Department, it’s questionable as to when we would have apprehended him."

A warrant for Bowen's DNA was obtained last week, and it matched the eight assaults Tuesday.

He was arrested at his job on the same day.

Bowen appeared in court on Wednesday morning, charged with seven counts of rape and one of sexual battery.

He is being remanded in custody.