CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A St. Thomas man was arrested Wednesday and charged with raping a Seattle woman while she was visiting the island in early December, authorities said.
Juan Grant, 27, was arrested on a warrant issued by the Seattle Police Department and charged with first-degree rape and first-degree unlawful sexual contact, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
The VIPD said that the Seattle Police Department first made contact with them on December 18 and that local detectives followed up on the woman’s complaint here.
The woman told police in Washington State that she had offered a ride to a man named “Jay” on December 2 — the first day she arrived in the territory. Jay would later be identified as Juan Grant.
Grant took her sightseeing around St. Thomas and then to a private location, according to the woman.
While she was at the private location, the woman said she began consuming alcohol and at some point blacked out in Grant’s presence.
“The victim went on by stating that she woke up the next day naked Monday, December 3, 2018, in a private location,” VIPD spokesman Glen Dratte said. “The victim confronted Grant, who stated they had sexual intercourse.”
After further investigation by the VIPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, an arrest warrant was signed and issued for Grant on Tuesday, Dratte said.
Grant was located Wednesday and arrested pursuant to the warrant for unlawful first-degree sexual contact.
Bail for Grant was set at $50,000. Unable to post bail, he was remanded to the Bureau Corrections pending further court action.
Why didn’t she tell the police on the 3rd while still in town?
That’s what im trying to understand.
First off, this whole case does not make any sense. How do you offer a ride to a stranger and have them take you sightseeing? Another article stated he offered her a ride, again why would you allow a stranger you just met to take you sightseeing? If this happened on December 3 why wait when you left the island to make a report? Why didnt she file the report here? How long after this incident did she stay on island? What happened after she found out they had intercourse? How do you come to the island and not have a designated ride whether a taxi, friend? Why take a ride from a stranger?
Hello duhh cause the slo brainer wanted ah other MICKEY TREAT?
Perhaps, she had no idea how dangerous Saint Thomas is and unfortunately, she found out the hard way. Slipping her a Mickey is a crime and so is rape. She is the victim here and not the perp. The shame of this sad incident probably made her leave the island quickly . However, she is brave for notifying the Seattle police when she arrived safely back home.
Agreed. And well said After While. Thank you for your comment!
You are so welcome Mr. John McCarthy .