EXETER - An Epping man accused of raping a teenage girl was found dead of an apparent suicide Wednesday afternoon, police said.

The body of Donald Tilbe, 46, of 74 Railroad Ave., was discovered around 2 p.m. in a wooded area at the Connor Farm Wildlife Management Area, located off Route 101, police Capt. Bill Shupe said.

The death came less than a week after Epping police charged Tilbe with two counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault. Tilbe, who resigned his position as an employee at the Epping town dump last week, was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl at his residence last October and on Jan. 7.

He was arraigned Jan. 25 and was due back in court Feb. 1 for a probable cause hearing.

According to a police affidavit, Tilbe admitted to police that he had sexual relations with the girl on several occasions.