Arizona man in Metro Detroit for work conference accused of raping woman in hotel room after having copy made of her key

(WWJ) — An Arizona man has been accused of raping a woman at a Metro Detroit hotel while he was in town for a work conference earlier this summer.

Late last week 36-year-old Joel Delavara of Yuma, Arizona, was arraigned in 52-3rd District Court in Rochester Hills on multiple charges, including criminal sexual conduct and home invasion.

Announcing the case Monday, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office said the charges stem from an incident on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at an undisclosed hotel in Auburn Hills where the victim was staying.

That night, according to the prosecutor's office, Delavara had a copy made of the victim’s hotel room key. He then allegedly used it to get into her room, sexually assaulted her before “abruptly flying back to Arizona.”

The victim reported the alleged attack to police and charges were issued on Aug. 16.

“The impact of rape on a victim and our community is immense,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald, per a press release. “This case will be handled by my office’s Special Victims Unit, which is dedicated to prosecuting violent sex offenders and getting justice for victims.”

The prosecutor’s office did not say how Delavara was able to allegedly have a copy made of the victim’s key. The victim’s age has not been released and authorities have not said where the work conference took place.

In all, Delavara has been charged with one count each of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree home invasion. He posted a $100,000 bond with a 10% provision.

His next court date has been scheduled for Sept. 19. Authorities did not say whether Delavara has returned to Arizona in the meantime.

If convicted, Delavara could spend the rest of his life in jail.

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