Law enforcement emphasizes the importance of reporting sexual assault cases

TULSA, Okla. — Content Warning: The following article contains references to a rape investigation.

In September, Tulsa Police arrested Previn Jones for raping a 14-year-old girl.

While investigating the case, officers found the details matched a nearly identical case from March.

“We found that we had another, very similar case that happened in March of 2022 again,” said Special Victim’s Unit Lt. Darin Ehrenrich. “The details are almost identical.”

The 16-year-old victim from the March case said Jones offered her a ride home and raped her in his car. Investigators said she picked Jones out of a photo lineup and their evidence was enough to also charge him with kidnapping and rape.

Ehrenrich said this is a prime example of why reporting rape and sexual assault is very important. Even if the victim feels like the details are few.

The linked case strengthened investigators’ evidence against Jones, and Ehrenrich said it’s thanks for the victims’ bravery.

“I think the conversation that happening nationally, like the conversation of the MeToo movement, are really stressing the importance of people coming forward,” he said.

Ehrenrich said no matter how old the case is, or how few details there might be, they are always open to listening to victims.

“Even if you don’t think you have a strong case. If you don’t think you’ll be believed, we’re here to believe you,” he said. “We’re here to investigate all of those reports as diligently and fully as we can.”