A Washington County man has been arrested for raping his female friend, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Juan Gabriel Lopez, 32, was taken into custody Oct. 30 on one count of rape, a first-degree felony.
On Oct. 21 at approximately 2 a.m., the victim reported that she was raped several times by Lopez, according to the probable cause documents. The victim said that Lopez asked her to pick him up from his apartment so he could get some food. Once they arrived back at Lopez's apartment, the victim said that he invited her back into his apartment where the rape occurred.
The victim texted Lopez and confronted him over what happened that night. When asked why he raped her, Lopez responded with "that's just how he was." Lopez later blocked the victim's number after further questioning from the victim.
Officers with the St. George Police Department located Lopez at a Maverick store and arrested him on Oct. 30. After having his Miranda Rights read to him, Lopez claimed that he had sex with the victim on two separate occasions and that they only talked the first time she was at his apartment. He denied that the victim told him no or to stop. Lopez also stated that he blocked the victim's number because he was unsure what she would do and was unable to provide an explanation for his initial text of "that's just how he was."
The PC statement noted that Lopez is in the country illegally and is considered a flight risk. At the time of the arrest, he had $2,400 in his possession and was in the process of fleeing the state.
Individuals charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
