By Kelly Young
kyoung@jacksonvilleprogress.com
A 48-year-old disabled woman was allegedly raped Saturday morning just hours after being released from the Intensive Care Unit of a local hospital. Juventino M. Pizano, a 25-year-old illegal immigrant, was arrested for the crime.
The victim underwent surgery May 19 to insert a catheter into her heart, and was released from the hospital Friday afternoon.
“According to the victim, she woke up at about 3 a.m. Saturday morning with a man on top of her. She tried to push him off but wasn’t able to. When she started screaming and hollering, the rest of the family started banging on the door,” said Detective Tonya Sonntag of the Jacksonville Police Department. “The victim said her attacker then put his pants on and unlocked the door. The boys in the house grabbed him and basically chunked him out the door. Officers responding to the scene found him a few blocks down and detained him.”
Once JPD arrived at the scene and began investigating the circumstances, Pizano was arrested and charged with aggravated sexual assault and public intoxication.
Due to the victim’s fragile condition, she was transported via ambulance to the hospital where she was treated and a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner kit was administered. She did not suffer any other physical injuries as a result of the attack, and was released Saturday.
“Our main concern was obviously the effect it might have on her heart. She didn’t need something traumatic like that happening right after getting out of the ICU the day before,” Sonntag said. “She’s not that old of a woman, but she is in really poor health.”
Pizano’s bond was set at $50,000 for aggravated sexual assault. He is currently being held at the Cherokee County Jail with an immigration hold placed on him.
Armed Home Invasion
JPD is also investigating an armed home invasion that reportedly occurred Saturday morning in the 200 block of Myrtle Drive.
“According to the victims, a Hispanic female knocked on their door at about 1 a.m. When one of the residents of the house opened the door, three black males, two carrying long guns and one carrying a handgun, rushed into the building,” Sonntag said. “Once inside they began shouting orders for everybody to get down on the ground.”
The men demanded the wallets from the four Hispanic men inside the residence at the time of the burglary. Before the assailants left, all four victims were physically assaulted.
“One of the victims was struck in the face with the butt of a gun for attempting to run into one of the bedrooms. Another victim attempted to hide his wallet but was caught by one of the actors and was struck in the back with the butt of a long gun,” Sonntag said. “The third victim was also struck in the head, and the man who opened the door was struck numerous times — he really got the worst of it.”
After collecting nearly $700 from the victims, the burglars fled the scene. The entire ordeal lasted only about two minutes. According to the victims, they did not recognize any of the suspects.
“There are no suspects at this time, but it is currently being investigated and there are a few leads in the case. If any arrests are made, they will be for burglary with intent to commit another felony, which is a first-degree felony,” Sonntag said.
Local News
Illegal immigrant held in rape case
- Local News
-
-
UIL realignment positive for Jacksonville, Rusk
The University Interscholastic League's bi-annual realignment, covering school terms 2012-13 and 2013-14, released on Thursday morning, drew cheers in Jacksonville and Rusk.
-
Woman dies in one vehicle accident
A local woman died Thursday evening in a one vehicle crash.
-
Rusk business might expand
Members of the city, businesses and education communities in Rusk met this week to encourage the job creation of one local business.
-
State looks at possibility of two primaries
Texas faces the possibility of hosting two primary dates for November elections.
-
County officials concerned by illegal dumping
Sheet rock, old couches, paint tins and more have been illegally dumped on a property off of County Road 3402.
-
JMS student council pushes smoke-free public
After a weekend-long retreat, Jacksonville Middle School student council members are ready to stand behind the city for tobacco free air.
-
National Letter of Intent today
Prep football standouts in the Class of 2012 will begin revealing their college plans early this morning — National Letter of Intent signing day, which is the first day a high school senior can officially sign with a college or university.
-
City looks to update website
The city of Rusk is looking into updating their web presence with a newly designed website.
-
Band originating at JC returns to Jacksonville
What began as an idea turned into a performing reality for five college students who met while attending Jacksonville College.
- Two injured at Fagen plant Tuesday morning
- More Local News Headlines
-
UIL realignment positive for Jacksonville, Rusk
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
Army Orders Bradley Manning Court-martial
Cancer Charity Revives Breast-screening Grants
Heavy Snowstorm Hits Colorado On Its Way East
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges
Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy
Unemployment Rate Down to 8.3%
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
First Person: Will Peyton Manning Stay in Indy?
Egypt Shaken After Deadly Soccer Riot
New Suits, New Starts for New York's Unemployed
Hall of Famer Dorsett Speaks Out on NFL Injuries
