A man accused of raping a woman while she was intoxicated at a party in Centralia in 2021 is now facing felony charges in Lewis County Superior Court.
While the incident was reported to law enforcement shortly after it occurred on April 14, 2021, charges were not filed in the case until July 28, 2023, according to court documents.
The suspect, identified as Jacob John Burgess, 26, of Chehalis, had a preliminary hearing in Lewis County Superior Court on Wednesday, Aug. 16, on one count each of second- and third-degree rape. He is accused of sexually assaulting the victim twice while she was intoxicated and incapable of consenting during a party on or about April 14, 2021.
When questioned about the incident by a friend of the victim via text, Burgess allegedly admitted to “having sexual intercourse” with the victim and stated “she consented because he asked her ‘17 times’ if she wanted to have sex and that he did not know she was that intoxicated,” according to court documents.
The victim told law enforcement she physically pushed Burgess away and left the room both times she became aware of the sexual assault.
Burgess was issued a summons notice on Aug. 1 for the Aug. 16 preliminary hearing, which he was not present for.
Due to his absence from the courtroom, Judge James Lawler issued a $20,000 bench warrant for Burgess’ arrest.
