Luis Miguel Vail-Lopez Convicted of Second-Degree Forcible Rape

A Hispanic man has been sentenced to up to 12 years in prison for the rape of a woman in Monroe, North Carolina.

Luis Miguel Vail-Lopez, 22, was found guilty of second-degree forcible rape and simple assault.

The verdict was handed down on Tuesday following a jury decision in Union County.

In addition to his sentence, he must serve an additional 30 days in custody.

Hispanic Man Convicted of Sexual Assault

The attack occurred on September 19, 2022, when Vail-Lopez stalked a 19-year-old woman on Engleside Street.

He dragged her to an abandoned property and sexually assaulted her.

After the attack, the victim reported the incident and underwent a forensic examination at a hospital.

DNA evidence and cell phone location data linked him to the crime.

Vail-Lopez was arrested on September 23, 2022, just a few days after the attack.

Additionally, he was implicated in another violent assault that took place earlier that month.

In that case, the victim suffered serious injuries.

The court determined there was sufficient evidence to convict him of rape.

District Attorney Trey Robison praised the victim’s bravery during the trial.

He highlighted her determination in appearing in court and testifying against her attacker.

«This victim showed incredible courage in facing her attacker,» Robison stated.

Her testimony was crucial to securing the conviction.

Once his sentence is complete, Vail-Lopez will be required to register as a sex offender for life.

If he is not deported to Guatemala, he will remain under supervision in the United States.

His case was investigated by the Monroe Police Department and prosecuted by Union County officials.

SOURCE: WCNC