Overland Park man charged with rape, accused of impregnating 10-year-old girl
An Overland Park man is charged with child sex crimes after he allegedly impregnated a 10-year-old girl.
Ronald Dejohnette Jr., 51, was charged in Johnson County District Court in March with rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties.
According to an affidavit filed in support of Dejohnette’s arrest, the child told investigators that when she was around 7 years old she was part of a “discussion” with her mother and Dejohnette about him starting a sexual relationship with her.
She and her mother, she told police, would take turns sleeping with DeJohnette. In 2018, she said, he asked her to “bear his children,” according to court records.
Dejonette’s attorney did not respond to The Star’s request for comment in time for publication.
According to police, the girl had been home schooled for two years by the time DeJohnette was arrested. After the first trimester of her pregnancy she was no longer allowed out of her home, according to the affidavit.
Police were alerted to the situation after a midwife visited the girl’s home in late February to discuss a birthing plan. The midwife reported the situation after learning the girl’s age and that she hadn’t received medical attention in the 26 weeks since she became pregnant.
When he was interviewed by police, Dejohnette allegedly told them that he believed the father of the baby was another 10-year-old who used to go to school with the girl.
Dejohnette said he didn’t plan to report the issue to police.
According to court records, the girl initially told investigators she believed she had been raped but could not remember. Days later she described her relationship with Dejohnette and said she had lied in her first interview because she was afraid he would go to jail.
Dejohnette is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing in June.
This story was originally published April 21, 2020 at 1:41 PM.
