Mugshot of John Jaheim Perez. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. CROIX — A 19-year-old man from Bethlehem Village in St. Croix has been arrested and charged with first-degree rape. The V.I. Police Department reported that the arrest took place on July 24 at approximately 1:18 p.m.
The accused, identified as John Jaheim Perez, is alleged to have sexually assaulted a woman in his home on July 5. According to the victim's report, she was in Perez's residence braiding his hair when the assault occurred. Despite her explicit refusal to engage in sexual activity, Perez allegedly forced himself upon her, leading to non-consensual intercourse.
The incident was reported to the police on July 11, by the victim herself, prompting an immediate investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. After several days of intensive investigation, Perez voluntarily turned himself in at the Wilbur Francis Command Police Station on Monday.
During his custody, Perez was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Bureau where he was read his rights. After waiving these rights, he gave a statement to the police. While he acknowledged having sexual intercourse with the woman, he vehemently denied the accusation of rape.
Perez's bail was set at $75,000 according to the official bail schedule, which he was unable to post. Consequently, he has been remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his Advice of Rights Hearing. The hearing is set to take place on July 25 at the Superior Court according to the V.I. Police Department.
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