A Shiprock man was found guilty in U.S. District Court in Durango Friday of raping a woman near Towaoc in July.
Merle Denezpi, 39, faces life in prison for using force to engage in a sexual act with the victim under threats of death, bodily injury and kidnapping, according to a grand jury indictment from June.
A press release from U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn states U.S. District Court Judge Robert Blackburn found Denezpi guilty on March 1 of one count of aggravated sexual assault. The release states Denezpi used physical force to assault his victim and fled from the scene by jumping out a second-story window and then hiding under a bush for 13 hours.
When federal agents apprehended Denezpi, Dunn wrote, the man said the sex was consensual. An examination found “significant bruising and injuries to the victim.” Additionally, the FBI conducted a DNA test that found the man’s DNA on the victim’s body.
“Victims of sexual assault display tremendous courage when they agree to participate in the prosecution of their assailants by confronting them in court, and we commend the victim here for her courage,” Dunn stated. “Our office is committed to vigorously prosecuting those who prey upon women and hold them accountable.”
Sentencing is scheduled for June 3, 2019, in Durango.
