Minneapolis man convicted of rape and escort theft

A Minneapolis man was found guilty of two felonies Thursday after raping an escort and stealing from her in February.

Dalvin Jarrell Crockett, 24, was found guilty by a jury of criminal assault and first-degree aggravated robbery after he met a woman working as an escort on Feb. 5, 2024, and raped her before stealing her money.

When he was arrested, Crockett admitted to stealing from other escorts to pay his rent a few weeks before the February attack, saying he was behind.

According to the criminal complaint, officers responded to the reported rape at an apartment in the 220 block of 15th St. W in Minneapolis.

When they arrived, officers met the victim, who said she did not previously know Crockett but met him on an escort site. She made it clear to police that the two had agreed to a private pole dance and explained that she does not offer sexual services.

When Crockett arrived, he was wearing flashy clothing and went to the bathroom. She then went to the bathroom and Crockett stood close to her bed when she got out.

The escort said he placed a gun to the back of her head and ordered her to lie down on the bed. During the rape, she said she felt one of the guns pressing against her hip and buttocks. When he was done, he wiped both phones, deposited the money he paid back into her account and stole money she had in the room. He then fled.

On February 16, 2024, officers executed a search warrant at Crockett’s home after tracking him using the woman’s phone. After arresting him, officers found clothing and gloves that matched the clothing Crockett was wearing on surveillance video from the victim’s building.

During the interview, Crockett initially denied knowing what happened or any wrongdoing; however, he later said he was familiar with the number and remembered the woman.

He later confessed to several previous attacks on escorts in recent weeks, which police reviewed and determined all followed a similar pattern.

“Although today’s news is of a guilty verdict, my thoughts are with the victim. She was not required to testify, but her courageous participation in Mr. Crockett’s prosecution strengthened our case and led to today’s verdict. We have held accountable Mr. Crockett, and the community will be protected from him,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement Thursday.

“Sex workers are often ignored by elements of the justice system when they become victims. This is reprehensible. All members of our community are entitled to protection under our laws.”

Crockett’s sentencing is scheduled for December 20 at 9 a.m. CT.