A fugitive wanted for child sexual abuse charges in Franklin County was nabbed Tuesday while hiding in a Murfreesboro motel, Rutherford County Sheriff’s officers said.

            Defendant Michael Clifford Smith, 33, ofWinchester was wanted for rape of a child under age 13 and aggravated sexual battery in FranklinCounty, reported Franklin County Sheriff Tim Fuller.

            Rutherford County Detective Chuck Thomas, who is assigned to the U.S. Marshals, said marshals in Chattanooga passed along information Smith was staying in a Murfreesboromotel. Thomas located Smith at Motel 6 onChaffin Lane.

            Rutherford County Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau and the Special Response Team joined Thomas in capturing Smith, said Rutherford County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Kauffman, commander of the Felony Arrest Search Tactical Team.

            “Smith was located in a motel room where he had been hiding in an attempt to avoid capture from Franklin County authorities,” Kauffman reported. “Smith was taken into custody without incident and booked into the RCSO AdultDetention Center with a hold for Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.”

            Smith was transferred to Franklin Countywhere he is supposed to be in court Jan. 10.