West Monroe man accused of breaking into residence, sexually assaulting the homeowner

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

WEST MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — On June 19, 2024, at 6:01 AM, the West Monroe Police Department was dispatched to a residence in reference to a sexual offense. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the female victim and were advised that she woke up to the suspect, 23-year-old Jefferson Danilo Calel Cruz, in bed with her after her husband left for work.

According to the affidavit, Cruz was accused of getting on top of the victim and touching the victim in her genital area. Once the victim realized the male subject was not her husband, she began screaming “Who are you?”

Authorities were also advised that the victim’s husband returned home and heard the victim screaming. The victim’s husband grabbed Cruz and forced him outside of the house.

According to police, they made contact with Cruz at his apartment and were advised that the victim’s husband allegedly invited Cruz over to watch pornography. Cruz reportedly told police that he left the residence at the same time as the victim’s husband; however, the victim and her husband told police that they did not know Cruz nor invited him to their home.

Cruz was arrested and charged with Sexual Battery and Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling. He is scheduled to appear in the Fourth Judicial District Court on June 20, 2024.

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