Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon announced today that a 68-year-old Albany man who brutally attacked a female acquaintance in his home has been formally charged.

Mark Carter was arraigned on a four-count indictment in front of the Honorable Andra Ackerman that charges him with Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree and two counts of Strangulation in the Second Degree.

The grand jury indictment alleges that on the morning of Jan. 18 between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., Carter, the owner of Taysha Florist at 191 Henry Johnson Blvd., bound the victim's hands behind her back, tied her ankles together, and strangled her inside his home above the shop.

The victim pleaded for Carter to let her go, but he refused. He then allegedly dragged her across the floor, causing injuries, and tied her to a dining room chair, preventing her from moving freely and leaving his home.

Hours later, Carter released the woman and drove her to her home. A relative, concerned for the victim’s state upon seeing her, brought her to the hospital for treatment, and the incident was reported to Albany Police.

An investigation revealed that there were items found inside the home that leads investigators to believe there’s potential for other victims. If anyone has had any contact with this individual, please contact law enforcement.

Carter pleaded not guilty Friday and was remanded to the custody of the Albany County Correctional Facility. He faces up to 25 years in state prison if convicted.

Assistant District Attorney Joseph Brucato, Bureau Chief of the Major Crimes Unit, and ADA Kara Czapski-Orlop are prosecuting the case.

ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE.