Salem man accused of raping, sodomizing woman multiple times

A Salem man charged with numerous sex crimes is being held on a $500,000 bond after he was arrested Monday.

Agustin Rendon-DeJesus, 45, is accused of forcing a 44-year-old woman to have sex with him several times throughout April and May, according to court documents.

Rendon-DeJesus allegedly beat the victim on multiple occasions during that time period, documents state.

She reported Rendon-DeJesus had tried to suffocate her April 15, stating "you belong to me, I could kill you," as he pressed a pillow onto her face for almost a minute. The woman's young child allegedly walked in on the attack, causing him to stop. 

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The victim told investigators Rendon-DeJesus assaulted her again June 21, biting her neck.

He allegedly threatened her July 7, stating "after I'm done having my way with you, I'm going to burn you, kill your kids and kill myself," according to a probable cause statement.

Salem Police officers said Rendon-DeJesus corroborated several of the incidents reported by the victim, such as suffocating her, but denied sodomizing or biting her. 

Rendon-DeJesus told investigators he was flirting with the victim and playing when he said he was going to kill her. 

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Rendon-DeJesus is charged with four counts of first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree sex abuse, attempt to commit a Class A felony, coercion, unlawful use of a weapon, four counts of fourth-degree assault, strangulation and menacing.

Since he is believed to be a continuing danger, his bail was set at a high amount and he was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim.

Rendon-DeJesus was arraigned 3 p.m. Monday and remains in the Marion County Jail. His next hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 18.

First-degree rape and first-degree sodomy are both Measure 11 offenses and each require a mandatory minimum sentence of eight years and four months in prison.

First-degree sex abuse is also a Measure 11 offense and requires a mandatory minimum sentence of six years and three months.

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Fourth-degree assault and strangulation are typically misdemeanor charges, but become felonies if they are committed in front of a minor child or if the victim is pregnant. 

Rendon-DeJesus is facing an additional charge of DUI stemming from an incident in Oct. 2016, documents state.

Contact reporter Olivia Heersink at oheersink@statesmanjournal.com, 503-399-6657 or follow her on Twitter @heersinkolivia.