1. Oakley police arrest in rape case
2. DNA evidence leads to arrest in old rape case.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
On Tuesday, Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard announced a major breakthrough in a 20-year old rape and kidnapping case, thanks to DNA evidence.
Eric J. Ferguson, a 49-year-old male from Rathdrum, Idaho, was arrested by the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service on May 16th, 2024. Ferguson was wanted by the Oakley Police Department in Oakley, California, for charges stemming from a 2002 kidnap and rape of a child under 18 years of age.
The Crime
In April 2002, a sexual assault took place near Laurel Road in Oakley, involving a juvenile female who was out walking her dog. The victim was approached by a man who threatened her with a gun, forced her into a vehicle, and sexually assaulted her at gunpoint. The victim managed to escape and seek help from a nearby house, leading to the involvement of the police. DNA evidence collected at the scene was crucial in the investigation.
Breakthrough with DNA Evidence
The case saw a significant development in 2022 when a CODIS hit identified a possible DNA match from the 2002 sexual assault case. Oakley Police Detectives, in collaboration with the US Marshals Service and the Coeur d’Alene Police Department, traveled to Idaho to collect DNA samples from the suspect, Eric Ferguson. The DNA from Ferguson was a direct match to the DNA recovered from the crime scene in 2002.
Arrest and Charges
On May 16, 2024, a formal complaint was filed against Eric Ferguson for charges including Rape of an Incompetent Person, Forcible Oral Copulation, and Kidnapping for Rape. The United States Marshals Service, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, and Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office conducted an operation to arrest Ferguson in Northern Idaho.
Oakley Detectives will bring Ferguson back to California to face charges for the crimes committed 22 years ago. Chief Paul Beard expressed his gratitude towards all agencies involved in solving the case and highlighted the importance of DNA evidence in bringing closure to this longstanding investigation.
Support for Victims
Chief Beard also shared a link to Community Violence Solutions, a local organization that supports victims of sexual assault and family violence, encouraging those in need of assistance to reach out for help.
This breakthrough in the 20-year old rape and kidnapping case showcases the dedication and collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in pursuing justice and bringing closure to victims of violent crimes.
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1. Oakley Police Say DNA Led to Arrest in Old Rape Case
2. Oakley Police Say DNA Led to Arrest in Year-Old Rape Case.
