Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03/13/07

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

JURY CONVICTS EX-BOYFRIEND IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE

On March 9, 2007, a Sonoma County jury convicted Robert Adams, 44, of Santa Rosa, of several felony charges involving sexual assault and domestic violence.

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua commended the verdicts, saying, "The jury did the right thing holding this defendant accountable for these terrible acts of violence."

On October 8, 2006, Adams and the victim, who had previously dated each other, were returning to the victim’s home after an evening spent at a family gathering. The defendant wanted to engage in sexual relations, but the victim did not. When Adams refused her repeated requests to leave, the victim threatened to call 911. Adams became enraged and began physically assaulting her, punching her numerous times in the face and head, choking her and threatening to kill her. Adams grabbed a broom stick, removed the bristle head, and began beating the victim with it, swinging the handle like a baseball bat. Adams then forced Jane Doe to engage in various sexual acts against her will. After the sexual assault, the victim was able to get to the telephone and call 911. Adams discovered the victim had contacted authorities and attempted to flee. Deputies arrested the defendant as he attempted to drive away from the apartment complex.

The jury found the defendant guilty of the felonies of forced oral copulation, forced sodomy, criminal threats with the use of a knife, assault with a deadly weapon, and false imprisonment, as well as a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery.

A hearing has been set for March 13, 2007 before Superior Court Judge Rene Chouteau to determine the validity of the defendant’s prior convictions. A sentencing date will follow.

Deputy District Attorney Tashawn Sanders was the prosecutor assigned to the case. She was assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kris Allen, Legal Assistant Dava Kohlman and Legal Secretary Coleen Atmore. Sonoma County Sheriff Detective Wade Eubanks was the lead investigator.