Cuyahoga County authorities are searching for a Cleveland man accused of raping a victim who was so substantially impaired they could not fully resist the attack. Maurice West Jr., who was last known to be staying in the 2600 block of Euclid Heights Boulevard, is wanted on rape charges and is considered a repeat violent offender by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department.
According to Cleveland 19 News, Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County says that in March of this year, West allegedly raped a victim who was so substantially impaired they could not fully resist the attack. Ohio's rape statute specifically covers situations in which a person's ability to resist or consent is substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition, according to the Ohio Revised Code.
A Criminal History Dating Back to 2011
West's record stretches back more than a decade. In December 2011, he pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and failure to comply, the station's report states. That case stemmed from a spree in which West robbed four different people at gunpoint across four separate locations.
West is listed as a repeat violent offender. Under Ohio law, it is ultimately a court that determines whether an offender qualifies for that designation, per the Ohio Revised Code.
Outstanding Warrants Beyond Cleveland
West has active traffic-violation warrants out of Mentor Police and two separate warrants with Broadview Heights.
West is described as 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 240 pounds. He is featured this week as part of Cuyahoga County's Most Wanted list.
How to Report a Tip
Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County is asking anyone with information about West's whereabouts to call 216-252-7463. Calls can remain completely anonymous, and eligible tipsters could receive a reward of up to $5,000.
