ST. PAUL (WCCO) — A 49-year-old St. Paul man has been accused of raping a woman after she agreed to clean his apartment, according to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office.
The Attorney’s Office charged Steven Francis Martinez with one count each of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping in connection with the alleged rape, beating and confinement of the St. Paul woman.
According to the criminal complaint, on Sunday, St. Paul Police responded to the call from the victim who told she had been held against her will, beaten and sexually assaulted by a man she knew as “King Steve.” She said she met him at a casino and agreed to clean his apartment for money.
There, he allegedly partially shaved the victim’s head, strangled her with a razor’s cord and raped her. She was able to flee, but did not remember which apartment she had been in.
Later, police were able to determine Martinez’s address and arrested him without incident, authorities said.
Inside his apartment, police found the victim’s cell phone, purse and Minnesota ID. Police also discovered a pair of hair clippers as well as a trash bag with a large amount of brown hair.
“This is a truly disturbing and unsettling case,” said County Attorney John Choi. “Quick cooperation between the St. Paul Police and Dakota County Sheriff’s Office brought this individual in quickly.”
If convicted, Martinez could face up to 30 years in prison for the sexual conduct charge and up to 40 years on the kidnapping charge.
