Karen Prince is more than ready to travel from Texas to Key West, where the 74-year-old was living when she reported being raped in Old Town two years ago.

"I can't wait to come back and face him in court," Prince said of her alleged attacker. "I want my day in court so bad I can taste it."

Antonio Chapman, 28, was charged with aggravated battery on a person 65 or older, kidnapping and sexual battery. Police say he attacked Prince while she was walking her German shepherd puppy, Kia, in the 700 block of Elizabeth Street about 6:30 a.m. in July 2007.

Since then, Prince has grown increasingly frustrated as the case continues to drag through the court system.

"It really messed my head up," Prince said, adding she is fearful of walking alone at night. "I really didn't think (the trial) would take this long. I got upset at the two-year mark. It was like, 'What the heck?' How long do these things take?"

Monroe County Assistant State Attorney Manny Madruga acknowledged the case has taken longer than he would like, but defense attorneys are still interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence.

"There is discovery (evidence) being exchanged on both sides," Madruga said. "I have nothing but desire to provide justice to Mrs. Prince. My hope is that we can go to trial very soon."

Assistant Public Defender John Rotello could not be reached for comment.

Chapman faces a second and unrelated criminal trial, this one on charges of sexual battery by a person 18 or older on a victim under 12. Police charged Chapman in the case after he allegedly attacked Prince, Madruga said.

Madruga was unsure which case would go to trial first, but Chapman faces life in prison if convicted in either.

Madruga said he was not interested in expediting the resolution of either case by offering a plea agreement.

"I know Mrs. Prince is anxious for a resolution and so am I," he said.

Chapman remains in the Monroe County jail on Stock Island without bond.

Prince said she is doing well for the most part in Fulton, Texas, where she moved to live with family. The former police dog trainer is being treated with hormones for bone cancer. She also had cancer 11 years ago.

"I beat it then and I'll beat it again," Prince said. "I just want this part of my life (the rape case) completed. I'm doing OK, now that I'm not there in Key West. I'm not quite as fearful. And I have my Drago at my side."

The German shepherd was a gift from a Key West police dog trainer.

alinhardt@keysnews.com