Pittsburgh police seek more victims after convicted rapist arrested on new charges
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh police arrested a man for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at knifepoint. Police believe more victims may be out there.
Jonathan Vance, 37, of Ambridge was out of prison after his sentence ended for charges of rape. Now he is back in jail accused of sexual assault.
A criminal complaint said he met a woman who is allegedly a sex worker on July 22. Court papers said he had a "rape fantasy" that the victim did not consent to. Pittsburgh police arrested him last Friday while he was already in the Beaver County Jail on other charges.
"Sexual violence is a very isolating feeling. They feel like they're alone. They may be scared to come forward," said Jayne Lester, advocate manager for Pittsburgh Action Against Rape.
Vance allegedly put a knife to the victim's throat, told her he would hurt her, restrained her and then assaulted her. Pittsburgh police have asked for other victims to come forward and call 412-323-7141. They believe Vance may have victimized other people.
PAAR works with victims of sexual violence. They said victims may have a hard time coming forward to police for several reasons. Some include trauma, feeling their story may not be taken seriously or community-police relations.
"Going through the justice system can be very traumatizing and retraumatizing for somebody who has experienced something so dramatic," Lester said.
According to court records, Vance was charged back in 2017 with rape in Beaver County and later convicted. He was released from prison earlier this year. For PAAR, to see someone be a repeat offender can be frustrating.
"To know that someone can continue to hurt people is letting our clients down," Lester said.
They say many people who do tell their stories do so to avoid anyone else being a victim. They want no one to go through the pain they have endured.
"The vast majority of our clients who come forward and report and go through the system aren't doing it for themselves. They're doing it for others to make sure it never happens again," Lester told KDKA.
Vance faces several charges including rape, sexual assault and unlawful restraint. He is currently in the Allegheny County Jail after being moved from Beaver County.
If you are a victim of sexual violence, here is the information for PAAR.
"You can reach out to PAAR anytime through a 24hr Helpline at 1-866-END-RAPE (363-7273) – call and text options available. You can also chat online at paar.net. All services are confidential and are provided at no cost."