Man pleads guilty to breaking into St. Paul home and sexually assaulting woman

St. Paul, Minnesota – A 34-year-old man pleaded guilty Burglary in a house in St. Paul and sexual abuse of a woman earlier this year.

Deonte Marquon Thomasof Maplewood was found guilty Wednesday of one count each of sexual abuse and first-degree burglary.

On the morning of April 15, Thomas forced his way into a home near the corner of South Snelling and Stanford Avenue. He robbed the homeowner, then pulled out a gun and sexually assaulted her.

As Thomas arrested In late April, St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry said investigators found him after executing search warrants in Maplewood and Stillwater.

After his arrest, Thomas reportedly told police he was “frustrated” and “angry” about his living conditions. He has previous convictions for domestic violence, receiving stolen goods and theft.

Thomas agreed to a sentence on both counts that is at the upper end of the sentencing guidelines. The official sentencing is scheduled for September 3.

Sexual assault by strangers is rare. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 8 out of 10 rapes are committed by someone the victim knows.

Resources on sexual assault

General websites with sexual assault information and resources throughout Minnesota:

General sexual assault websites: