Arizona man allegedly copied a woman's room key and raped her in an Oakland County hotel

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — An Arizona man is accused of multiple crimes after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in an Auburn Hills hotel room last month. Oakland County District Attorney Karen McDonald's office filed charges against 36-year-old Joel Delavara of Yuma, Arizona, in connection with the alleged Aug. 14 assault.

Delavara is accused of making a copy of the victim's room key and using it to gain access to her room. Prosecutors allege Delavara then raped the victim before flying back to his home state. The victim reported the crime to police and charges were filed on August 16.

Delavara was eventually arrested and arraigned in 52nd District Court on September 5. He is charged with one count each of first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree sexual abuse and first-degree burglary. First-degree sexual abuse carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

“The impact of rape on a victim and our community is tremendous,” McDonald said. “This case is being handled by my office's Special Victims Unit (SVU), which is dedicated to prosecuting violent sex offenders and obtaining justice for victims. We will hold perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Bail was set at $100,000, with 10% allowed. Delavara has already posted bail, authorities said, and a detention hearing has been scheduled for September 19.