Man raped ex-girlfriend, returned to "help" her after attack

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - A Charlotte man was sentenced to at least 16 years in jail for raping his ex-girlfriend and then returning to her home pretending to help her after the attack.

According to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office, a jury found 24-year-old Ronald Deese III, guilty of raping his ex-girlfriend in 2011. The trial began on Monday before The Honorable Richard D. Boner.

In January 2011, Deese broke into his ex-girlfriend's home in Charlotte.

Deese covered her face and head with a blanket, taped her wrists and ankles, raped her and then fled.

He soon returned, however, and pretended to come to the woman's aid, even calling 911 for her.

Police later found a bookbag containing electrical tape, latex gloves and black clothing under the deck of the victim's home. Crime scene analysts found that DNA evidence collected from the victim and the scene matched Deese's DNA.

"The Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office appreciates the courage shown by the victim, who testified against her attacker at trial and helped prosecutors seek justice," the DA's office told WBTV.

The jury found Deese guilty of second-degree rape, one count of second-degree sex offense and felony breaking or entering. The jury found him not guilty on the other count of second-degree sex offense.

Judge Boner sentenced Deese to a total of 192-250 months in prison.

Copyright 2013 WBTV. All rights reserved.