Eleven years after a rape in Lane County, a suspect is in custody, thanks to DNA lab work.
Officials say 37-year-old Jesse Clark of Junction City was arrested last week, after a match for his DNA was found in an unrelated case, recently.
In May 2007, a woman having car trouble was picked up by a man, who took her to the Crow area and raped her.
The woman contacted authorities and consented to a sexual assault exam, with the DNA evidence kept with the Oregon State Police Crime Lab. At the time, no matches were found.
Carrie Carver of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office says both the technology –- and the victim’s willingness to submit to an exam -- should be commended.
“This can be extremely trying for an individual who may have gone through a great part of the healing process over the last few years, and this has the potential to be a little traumatizing," says Carver. "We’re hoping that the process will provide closure, and we have a lot of services here in Lane County for folks who are in her position, but she’s definitely a very strong and courageous woman.”
Clark was arrested on Rape in the First Degree. His case awaits prosecution.
Authorities say if anyone has information about Cook or the May 17, 2007 rape, to contact the Lane County Sheriff's Office.
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