Man accused of rape, blackmail in Cape Girardeau

Posted: January 23, 2025, 1:58 pm

Updated: January 23, 2025, 9:52 pm

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A Cape Girardeau man is being held without bond. Jayden Harris, 22, is charged with rape, blackmail and burglary.

According to the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the man was arrested on Jan. 22 and faces charges of:

— Threatening nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images
— Nonconsensual dissemination of private sexual images
— First-degree rape or attempted rape
— First-degree burglary

According to the police report, Harris allegedly told the victim, “This is gonna happen, I don’t want to hurt you,” before the victim realized Harris’ intentions and a physical altercation ensued.

Authorities allege that the man sent private images to a victim and attempted to extort money. He also sent Facebook messages to another victim asking for sexual favors, which were denied.

Despite being told not to come to the victim’s residence, the man allegedly entered through a back door and raped the victim after a struggle.

CGPD public information officer Bobby Newton said it’s important to report crimes like these, even if the victim is unsure if they want to press charges. Charges can be pressed at a later time.

“This one was reported two days after the incident but at least it was reported,” Newton said. “We can’t get the individual that’s responsible for whatever crime they committed off the streets if we’re not aware of it.”

When it comes to rape or an assault, Newton said the sooner they can collect evidence, the better.

Development Director Alix Gasser said survivors of sexual assault can get help at Southeast Network Against Sexual Violence (SEMO NASV).

“We can walk you through a forensic interview and exam to make sure that you’re safe, to make sure you’re healthy, and we can do a sexual assault kit, right here in our office,” Gasser said.

The forensic exams are to collect DNA and other evidence that could be on a survivors body. Gasser explained what a person can expect during one of those exams.

“They’ll be in here with one of our sexual assault nurse examiners or sexual assault forensic examiners,” Gasser said. “Those are our specially trained nurses. And so first things first, the client is in control.”

The sexual assault kit is in a sealed box.

“Essentially, what our nurse will do is they’ll open it up, they’ll walk through the process, let them know each of the steps, and then they’ll collaborate on what’s happening,” she said. “The client will decide how much they want to engage with that process.”

The client can decide to end the exam at any time.

For more information about resources for survivors of sexual violence, click here.