Man is accused of raping female co-worker at Leawood business, charges say
A man who was recently arrested and charged with rape in Johnson County is accused of sexually assaulting a female co-worker at a Leawood business last year, according to court records.
Jonam Okasa Edward, 34, of Overland Park, was charged last month in Johnson County District Court with aggravated sexual battery in connection with the assault, which was reported to Leawood police in September 2019.
The female co-worker told police Edward raped her at work on the night of Sept. 13, according to an affidavit filed in court with the charging documents and released Wednesday.
She woman said she was alone with Edward at the business after a client left, and added that she was tasked with closing duties that day.
About 20 minutes before closing, Edward suggested locking up for the night and then turned off the lights and closed the blinds, she said.
The woman said Edward then tried to kiss her and began groping her. She described being pinned in the corner of a desk, telling him to stop, as he tried to take off her clothes, court records state.
During the assault, the woman continued to struggle and told Edward “No.” But he overpowered her, she told police.
Afterward, she said, Edward told her everything was OK and begged her not tell anyone.
The woman went to the Overland Park Regional Hospital, where a nurse collected a sexual assault kit. According to court records, lacerations were found in and around the woman’s genitals.
DNA evidence collected from her was “34.3 nonillion times more likely” to match Edward than another person, prosecutors reported.
The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office filed charges Jan. 28 and Edward was arrested the next day. He remained in the county jail Thursday with bond set at $150,000.
Edward’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment after the affidavit was released.
