Jury convicts St. Louis man of drugging and raping woman he met online

ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis jury convicted a man last Friday of drugging and raping a woman in his apartment in the city’s DeBaliviere Place neighborhood.

According to police and prosecutors, the crime occurred on January 6, 2023, in the 600 block of Clara Avenue.

Investigators said Otoniel Gomez, 42, met the 36-year-old victim on Facebook and the two corresponded for several weeks before making plans to meet in person.

Gomez invited the victim to his apartment to watch a movie. He also told the victim he would teach her how to make salsa.

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Police say Gomez gave the woman a drink, which made her feel weak and nauseous. Gomez then assaulted, raped and strangled the victim until she passed out.

When the victim woke up, Gomez refused to let her leave. She was able to call a friend who helped her escape from Gomez’s apartment.

Gomez was convicted of first-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping and two counts of third-degree assault. He will be sentenced on December 11.

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