A 19-year-old St. Paul man has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with three sexual assaults that authorities say occurred over a two-year span and were linked by DNA evidence.
Charges, plea and next steps
Rakai Eugene Davis, 19, entered guilty pleas Tuesday to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, according to court filings and a news release from local media outlets. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 16.
Charging documents allege the assaults occurred at two addresses in St. Paul and that investigators recovered DNA evidence that matched Davis in all three incidents. Prosecutors said Davis met the victims through dating apps or websites and forced them into sexual acts by brandishing a knife or handgun.
Charging documents state Davis "met people through dating apps or websites and forced them into sexual acts by brandishing a knife or handgun."
When and where the incidents occurred
According to the criminal complaint summarized by local media, the timeline of alleged incidents is as follows.
| Date | Location (block) | Allegation |
|---|---|---|
| May 27, 2023 | 1700 block of Cottage Avenue East | First sexual assault cited in charging documents |
| Nov. 3, 2024 | 1700 block of Clear Avenue East | Second sexual assault cited in charging documents |
| Dec. 9, 2024 | 1700 block of Clear Avenue East | Third sexual assault cited in charging documents |
Evidence and investigation
St. Paul police, citing results from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said DNA recovered in all three investigations matched Davis. The use of DNA to link multiple assaults played a central role in bringing the charges, according to the reports.
Authorities also described a pattern in the alleged offenses: the victims were contacted through online dating platforms and then coerced into sexual activity after the suspect displayed a weapon. That pattern is part of the factual basis prosecutors offered at the plea hearing, court records show.
Community resources and context
The case has prompted local media to highlight resources for survivors of sexual violence. Organizations serving survivors across the Twin Cities and surrounding counties were listed in reporting about the case, including:
- SOS – Ramsey County
- Sexual Violence Center (Hennepin County)
- Aurora Center (University of Minnesota)
- 360 Communities (Dakota County)
- Hope Center (Rice County)
Additional statewide resources commonly cited include the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault and national hotlines such as RAINN. These organizations provide crisis support, advocacy and information about medical and legal options for survivors.
What’s next in court
With the guilty pleas entered, sentencing will determine Davis's punishment. The plea to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct carries significant penalties under Minnesota law, and prosecutors will present sentencing recommendations and victim impact information at the Oct. 16 hearing. Defense attorneys have the opportunity to present mitigating evidence prior to the court’s decision.
The case underscores continuing concerns about online safety and violence against women in the Twin Cities. Investigators and service providers urge community members to report threats or suspicious behavior and to make use of local support services.
Further procedural filings and the sentencing hearing will provide more detail on evidence presented to the court and any statements from victims allowed under Minnesota's victim-impact procedures.
St. Paul residents with questions about safety or seeking assistance can contact the organizations listed above or the St. Paul Police Department’s victim-services division for guidance.
