Lewiston man charged with raping woman who has mental disabilities

March 07-- Mar. 7--A Lewiston man has been charged for allegedly raping a woman with mental disabilities and binding and beating her.

John D. Cooksey, 33, was charged Monday with rape when resistance is overcome by force or violence, and sexual abuse and exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Cooksey had bond set at $100,000 and has a preliminary hearing set for Wednesday.

Court records indicate a woman went to the Lewiston Police Department on Friday and reported she was raped Feb. 27. Investigators noted the woman has mental disabilities as a result of traumatic brain injury.

She told investigators that Cooksey tied her to the frame of a futon in her Lewiston home and allegedly beat her before raping her.

She told officers that she and Cooksey had consensual sex the following day, Feb. 28, and that she feared he would abuse her.

Police went to the woman's home and collected DNA evidence and some used condoms.

Cooksey met with detectives and told them he had been in a sexual relationship with the woman for about three months and the two agreed to a dominant-submissive relationship that involved physically striking the woman and using degrading language.

Cooksey admitted to having intercourse with the woman Feb. 27-28. He told officers he had a written contract with the woman that she would be his "sub" or submissive partner in a sexual relationship. Cooksey was aware of the woman's mental disabilities, and detectives noted he appeared surprised when they arrested him, according to court records.

Records did not indicate whether the woman was aware of this contract, but noted her disability affects her judgment and she "lacks the capacity to make proper decisions regarding her person, funds and property," according to court records.

Rape is punishable by at least one year and up to life in prison. Sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult carries a punishment of up to 25 years in prison.

Holm may be contacted at tholm@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2275. Follow him on Twitter @TomHolm4.

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