A jury convicted Jovan Jones of multiple felony sexual assault and rape charges.
San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that her office secured a sexual assault conviction of Jovan Jones (35) after trial by jury. Jones was found guilty of burglary with intent to commit a sexual assault, attempted sexual penetration with a foreign object, sexual penetration with a foreign object, attempted rape, rape, and first-degree robbery. The jury also found true allegations that Jones committed a burglary and used a deadly weapon (knife) in the commission of these crimes.
“Jovan Jones’ conviction for these horrific crimes is due in large part to the bravery and resilience of the survivor,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “My office met her courage with equal resolve to fight for justice in this case and send a message that unspeakable violence will not be tolerated and that we will not relent in our pursuit of justice, no matter how long it takes.”
On January 12, 2013, Jones assaulted the victim as she was at her door and pushed himself into her apartment in Telegraph Hill where he proceeded to sexually assault and rape her. At the time of the assault, the victim was on the phone with her mother who heard her scream before the call was dropped. The victim’s mother, who was in Washington State at the time, called police and requested a welfare check for her daughter. Jones was apprehended by members of the San Francisco Police Department with assistance from the California Highway Patrol. SFPD Officers chased the defendant out of the victim’s apartment complex and through the Telegraph Hill neighborhood. Jones was spotted in the wooded area of the neighborhood by a CHP helicopter and arrested after a one-hour search.
The case against Jones was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Lisa Jimenez with assistance from Don DuBain and the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault team, including paralegal Andrew Ong and Victim Advocate Cindy Pelayo, who worked closely with the victim and her family throughout the case. Inspector John Keane assisted ADA Jimenez and served as her investigating officer during the trial. Prosecutors were able to develop a strong case against Jones based on investigation performed by the San Francisco Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.
“I want to thank the jury for their service,” said Assistant District Attorney Lisa Jimenez. “Justice has been done and after 10 years the victim and her family can now close this chapter and focus on healing and moving forward.”
Jones has been in custody since his arrest on January 12, 2013. Jones is facing a minimum of 25 years to life in state prison. Sentencing is scheduled for February 28, 2023.
Court Number: 13001219
###