Man accused of rape charged in second incident

Vivian Muniz
·1 min read
3

HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A man is being charged after being accused of raping one woman and attempting to rape another, according to police.

Hazleton City Police say on May 24, 2023 officers were called for a reported rape in the 700 block of Roosevelt Street. The victim claimed the suspect followed her into her home in the morning and when she returned home from work the suspect raped her, police stated.

Through DNA testing, police say the suspect was identified as Jiobany Cruz, 36, of Hazleton.

Man wanted for alleged DUI in Luzerne County

Almost a year later on May 16, 2024, around 2:30 a.m. Pennsylvania State Police were called to investigate a reported attempted rape that happened at a Planet Fitness in Hazleton.

The victim said she was followed while exiting the gym by a man who attempted to rape her in her car. Through further investigation, troopers identified the suspect as Cruz and he was arrested.

Cruz has been charged with the following;

  • Rape

  • Rape (attempted)

  • Unlawful restraint

  • Aggravated indecent assault

  • Simple assault

  • Harassment

  • Burglary

He remains in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility after being denied bail.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.