by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
A woman was allegedly raped June 16 at her Sartell place of employment by a Sauk Rapids man who was arrested and remains in custody because of the crime he is charged with, as well as his uncertain status as an immigrant.
Simon Peter Lwiza, 42, is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct. His bail was set at $400,000 by the judge during his first court appearance June 20.
According to the court documents, Lwiza followed the woman into the kitchen of the place where she works, then approached her from the back, kissing her on the neck before choking her, forcing her to the ground and raping her.
The victim was taken to the hospital and examined for injuries, which included bruises on her body and other injuries that indicated a sexual assault had taken place.
Lwiza denied assaulting the woman during an interview with law enforcement.
He was ordered held in custody by orders of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement pending a review of his immigration status or lack thereof.
The name of the woman and her place of employment have not been released.
Simon Peter Lwiza
