On Feb. 11, Jesse Bjerke, a 37-year-old Arlington County resident, was charged in an indictment related to the Sept. 3, 2016, sexual assault of a woman. The assault occurred at a pool located in a condominium complex located on South Pickett Street in the City. The victim was a lifeguard at the pool and was not acquainted with her assailant.

Bjerke was charged with six felonies: Rape, object sexual penetration, abduction with the intent to defile, and three counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The rape, object sexual penetration and abduction charges each carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. The firearms charges carry a total mandatory minimum sentence of 13 years in prison.

Bjerke is presently incarcerated in the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center awaiting trial.