Jackson resident faces charges in rape case

A 26-year-old Jackson man was arrested early Sunday morning for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl who was baby-sitting in his apartment complex.

Juan Thomas, 26, of 1444 E. Main St., Apt. 2, was charged with one count of forcible rape and one count of statutory rape with a juvenile under 17 years of age by the Cape Girardeau prosecuting attorney's office. He appeared on Monday for initial arraignment before Circuit Judge William Syler Jr.

Thomas is being held on a $100,000 cash only bond.

According to the probable cause statement, the incident occurred shortly after midnight when Thomas, an illegal immigrant, pulled the victim into the laundry room and forcibly raped her. As Jackson police officer Jesse Chisum placed him into custody, Thomas stated that the girl consented.

Chisum discovered the rape when he exited his vehicle at the apartment complex. He had followed a speeding vehicle that had its caution lights on. As the driver informed him that a rape had occurred, the victim ran out of the apartment complex, screaming. After the victim named Thomas as her assailant, Chisum went to the apartment and Thomas stepped out. The victim became more hysterical and identified him as the one who raped her.

Early interviews indicated that the victim might have known Thomas before the alleged rape and that she called the driver immediately following the incident, said investigative officer Sgt. Scott Eakers.

Saint Francis Medical Center performed examinations. Investigations are being assisted by the Juvenile Detention Center, the Network Against Sexual Violence and the prosecuting attorney's office.