St. Croix, USVI - On July 11, 2023, a female victim reported to police that she was sexually assaulted by an adult male at his home while she was braiding his hair. She stated that she told him she did not want to have sex with him however he forced himself on her and engaged in sexual intercourse without her permission.

Jose Jaheim Perez

On July 24, 2023, 19-year-old Jose Jaheim Perez turned himself into the Wilbur Francis Command Police Station. He was subsequently turned over to the Criminal Investigation Bureau where he was mirandized and made a statement after waiving his rights. He denied raping the victim but admitted that he had sex with her.

Mr. Perez was charged with Rape in the First Degree, with bail set at $75,000.00 as per chart. He was booked and unable to post his bail, he was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his Advice of Rights Hearing at the Superior Court for July 25, 2023.

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All individuals listed as arrested or charged with a crime in this press release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.