A 19-year-old Dayton resident faces a Jan. 4 court date after allegedly raping a 10-year-old boy, officials said.

Wendi M. Hardi was arrested on charges of rape of a child Nov. 12, at her home, Rhea County Chief Deputy Charles Byrd said.

Byrd investigates crimes against children for the Rhea County Sheriff's Department.

Byrd said the alleged incident occurred between April and November of 2001 at Hardi's home.

"It is not a caretaker situation, this would just be a friend," Byrd said.

Byrd said Hardi, who is low functioning, spoke about the incident to someone, which led to her arrest.

"This is a serious case. When it comes to low-functioning people committing a crime you can't look at that part," Byrd said.

Hardi was release from the Rhea County Jail on $7,500 bond. She will be represented by the Public Defender's office.

Sarah Hodge can be reached at herald@xtn.net.