San Bernardino Superior Court sentenced convicted rapist and Twentynine Palms resident Jamaceeo Edwards to 5 to 100 years to life Feb. 10.
The sexual assault occured around 10 p.m. Sept. 11, 2020. The victim was walking by the intersection of Twentynine Palms Highway and Mesquite Springs Road in Twentynine Palms, according to a sheriff’s release.
Edwards’ DNA, logged in the Combined DNA Index System from a prior case, matched DNA from the victim’s body, according to a San Bernardino District Attorney’s release.
There was no known relationship between Edwards and the victim, according to the District Attorney’s release.
Edwards was already booked in the West Valley Detention Center Jan. 13, 2021 on a burglary charge when sheriff’s deputies booked him for sodomy by force, sexual penetration against victim’s will by force and kidnapping, according to the sheriff’s release.
Edwards pleaded not guilty to both sodomy by force and sexual penetration against a victim’s will. A jury convicted him on both counts Dec. 15, after seven days of trial.
Both convictions come with enhancements due to aggravated circumstances, a prior serious/violent felony, prior felony convictions and prior serious felony convictions.
He will be delivered to Chino’s California Institution for Men.
His combined sentence is 110 years, but Edwards is eligible for parole on most counts.
Prior history
This was the fifth case against Edwards in San Bernardino Superior Court.
In December, 2018, the State charged Edwards with assault with a deadly weapon, attempted corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and willful cruelty to child.
Edwards pleaded guilty to the assault with a deadly weapon charge Jan. 9, 2019, and not guilty to the other charges, which San Bernardino Superior Judge Rodney Cortez dismissed.
Edwards served 21 days with probation.
The State also charged Edwards with battery, intimidating a witness, and criminal threats in November, 2019.
Cortez dismissed that case in December, 2019, after Edwards pleaded not guilty.
The State charged Edwards with burglary in the second degree in August, 2020, and Edwards pleaded not guilty.
San Bernardino Superior Judge Shannon Faherty dismissed the case after Edwards’ rape conviction.
Parties
District Attorney Jason Gueltzow prosecuted.
Jason Whiteside, of a conflict panel, defended Edwards.
San Bernardino Superior Judge Shannon Faherty presided.
Case number FMB21000019
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