CASE UPDATES: November 2009

Child Sexual Assault:  State v. Apolo-Albino:  Defendant Ezequiel Apolo-Albino has been convicted of two counts of First Degree Child Molestation for sexually abusing his eight-year-old and 11-year-old biological daughters.  At trial, both girls bravely testified and recounted for the jury the full nature and extent of the abuse.  The defendant now faces a minimum sentence of seven years to life in prison.  DPA Maurice Classen handled the prosecution of this case with assistance from PAO special deputy, Ellie, the PAO's service dog.

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Chronic Domestic Abuse:  State v. Rupe:  Defendant Jeramiah Rupe has been convicted of Second Degree Assault and Unlawful Imprisonment for physically restraining his girlfriend in his car and choking her.  Both charges carried a domestic violence aggravating factor based on the defendant's ongoing pattern of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse of this victim over the course of a prolonged period of time.  The defendant beat, strangled, threatened, or sexually assaulted his girlfriend on an almost daily basis for several years.   Unfortunately, these attacks went unreported.  The defendant now faces more than five years in prison.  DPA Kristin de Turenne handled the prosecution of this case.

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Armed Robbery:  State v. Singh:  Defendant Jorawar Singh has been convicted of First Degree Robbery for participating in an armed robbery of a convenience store clerk in Des Moines.  The defendant has multiple felony convictions, and because of his criminal history, now faces seven to nine years in prison.   DPA Mike Pellicciotti handled the prosecution of this case.

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Firearm Crimes:  State v. West:  Defendant Justin West has been convicted of First Degree Assault with a Firearm Enhancement and First Degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm for pointing and firing a gun at a crowd of partygoers when his ex-girlfriend refused to leave the party with him.  The defendant now faces 15-18 years in prison because of his prior criminal history and the mandatory five year minimum attached to the Firearm Enhancement.  DPA Mafe Rajul handled the prosecution of this case.