Northern California woman recants story about being held in attic

OROVILLE — A Northern California woman who told police she was held captive in an attic for two weeks and repeatedly raped by her ex-husband is recanting her story.

Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey says the woman recanted her story Thursday, three days after officers found her trapped behind a wall in the attic of an Oroville house.

The district attorney says the woman told investigators she made up the story so her ex-husband, 29-year-old Lawson Rankin, wouldn't get into trouble with his parole officer.

But Ramsey says his office will proceed with charges against Rankin, who was arrested Monday on suspicion of torture, rape, false imprisonment and other charges.

Ramsey says there have been three prior domestic abuse incidents between Rankin and his ex-wife.