For Immediate Release Sept. 7, 2016 A Jackson County jail inmate has been charged with rape and burglary in connection with the late-August sexual assault of a woman who was being held in the Jackson County Detention Center, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today. Dontae D. Jefferson, 29 (dob: 1/1/17/1987), faces charges of Rape in the 1st Degree, Burglary in the 1st Degree, and two counts of Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree.* According to court records filed today, the victim was in the Jackson County Detention Center on Aug. 26, 2016 about 5:24 p.m. when Kansas City Police Department officers were dispatched. The victim stated she had been fondled by a black male whom she believed to be a guard. Later, at a local hospital, the victim told officers she was scared to speak in front of jail staff. She said the suspect entered her cell. He had a Jackson County-issued orange t-shirt on his head. She identified the suspect as Dontae Jefferson. Once he entered the cell, he began to touch her and she pushed him away. He strangled and punched her, then he assaulted her sexually until he heard a whistle from the hallway. He hid, then left the cell. A witness told police that a guard left keys in a door and an inmate kept a key. Later that inmate let Jefferson out of his cell. Video surveillance showed three prisoners wandering freely in an area where the victim was housed. Jefferson was one of those three. An active criminal investigation of this rape and other incidents continues. The victim in the case released today a public statement through the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office. “My life and the lives of my family have been in turmoil since the events of last week," the victim stated. "We are struggling to move forward. I am praying those responsible will be held to a measure of justice. While my family tries to recover, please respect my privacy. I am not providing interviews, but focusing on how to get my life on track again.” Prosecutors have requested a bond of $1 million cash. For more information, contact: Michael Mansur Director of Communication Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office Jean Peters Baker, Prosecutor Work : (816) 881-3812 Mobile: (816) 674-3954 mmansur@jacksongov.org http://jacksoncountyprosecutor.com *Charges are only accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or has pleaded.