Martinez, Calif. – Last Friday, defendant Delon Ward of Richmond was sentenced by Judge Leslie Landau to 36 years in state prison for the July 2019 rape of Jane Doe. Earlier, Ward pleaded guilty to kidnapping and forcible rape and he admitted to two enhancements since he used a gun during the attack. Ward is required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life as a result of his guilty plea
Jane Doe did not know the defendant. While she was on her walk during the early morning of July 19, Ward followed her and waited until she was alone to confront her with a gun. He forcibly moved Jane Doe off the public sidewalk and proceeded to sexually assault her.
The defendant fled the scene after the sexual assault. Fortunately, the Richmond Police Department conducted an intensive investigation to secure evidence and surveillance video to tie the defendant to the crime.
Deputy District Attorney Scott Prosser prosecuted the case on behalf of the People. DDA Prosser is assigned to the office’s Sexual Assault Unit.
“In this case, the Richmond Police Department immediately conducted a large-scale investigation using officers and investigators who left no stone unturned. In particular, Officer Orlando Guzman, Detective Andrew Barbara, and Detective AJ Fonseca went over and above to ensure that we brought a strong case to court. Jane Doe bravely came forward to report the crime, and through the efforts of the Richmond Police Department, the defendant was identified and taken into custody quickly,” Prosser said.
