Man convicted of rape against female employee at Norfolk job site

Content Warning: Discussions of rape

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A man was convicted on Oct. 11 of raping a woman at her job in May of 2023.

According to a release, on May 1, 2023, 35-year-old Eric Figueroa Rodriguez and the victim were painting an apartment in Norfolk. After the victim refused Rodriguez's advancements several times, Rodriguez forcibly raped her and ejaculated inside of her, according to police.

Shortly afterwards, the victim confronted Rodriguez over the phone, where he then apologized, saying he "could not help himself."

The victim then underwent a sexual assault examination, where sperm with a high probability of belonging to Rodriguez was found.

Rodriguez was then charged with rape and forcible sodomy, which he pleaded not guilty to. In June, a jury found Rodriguez not guilty of sodomy, but they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the rape charge.

During a second trial on Oct. 11, after 20 minutes of deliberation, the jury found Rodriguez guilty of rape.

"I cannot express my appreciation strongly enough to the survivor of Mr. Figueroa Rodriguez's crime," Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi said. "The survivor suffered through Mr. Figueroa Rodriguez's rape itself, and then not one but two jury trials, where she had to recount her suffering. She has been incredibly strong, and we are grateful to her for helping us hold Mr. Figueroa Rodriguez accountable for his violent crime. I wish her peace as she moves on from this crime, and at sentencing we will seek a sentence fitting of Mr. Figueroa Rodriguez's crime."

Rodriguez's sentencing is scheduled to take place on Dec. 20.

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