Gary Man Convicted of Most Charges in Rape Trial

Damian Donaldson, 38, was found guilty of multiple felonies including rape, burglary, and strangulation.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Gary man named Damian Donaldson, 38, was convicted of most charges in a rape trial on Friday. Donaldson was charged with 15 felonies, including rape, burglary, and strangulation, as well as several misdemeanors. The jury found him guilty of crimes such as rape, attempted rape, criminal confinement, burglary, stalking, intimidation, domestic battery, and strangulation. He was acquitted of a few charges. Donaldson's sentencing is scheduled for March 5.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Gary, Indiana community. The conviction of Donaldson on multiple serious charges sends a strong message that such crimes will be prosecuted, though the victim's reluctance to testify underscores the challenges prosecutors often face in these types of cases.

The details

According to court records, Donaldson sexually assaulted a woman, broke her windshield, and poured marinara sauce in her gas tank in October. The jury convicted him of the majority of the charges he faced, including rape, attempted rape, criminal confinement, burglary, stalking, intimidation, domestic battery, and strangulation. He was acquitted of a few other charges. Prosecutors argued they had a significant amount of evidence against Donaldson, including 911 calls, bodycam footage, and information from his cell phone. The case was complicated by the victim's initial reluctance to cooperate, which prosecutors alleged was due to an intimidation campaign by Donaldson from jail.

  • On October 28, Gary Police responded to a reported rape at 8:18 a.m.
  • On November 12, Donaldson was charged with a separate stalking case after allegedly pressuring the woman against testifying.
  • On March 5, Donaldson is scheduled to be sentenced.

The players

Damian Donaldson

A 38-year-old Gary resident who was charged with 15 felonies, including rape, burglary, and strangulation, as well as several misdemeanors.

Olivia Vasquez

The detective involved in the case.

Infinity Westberg

One of the deputy prosecutors who tried the case.

Jessica (Arnold) Woodward

One of the deputy prosecutors who tried the case.

Roseann Ivanovich

Donaldson's defense lawyer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“(If) you don't do it, I'll kill you,”

— Damian Donaldson

“Her story didn't change in those jail calls, Woodward told jurors.”

— Jessica (Arnold) Woodward, Deputy Prosecutor

What’s next

Donaldson's sentencing is scheduled for March 5, where the judge will determine his final punishment for the crimes he was convicted of.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenge of prosecuting domestic violence and sexual assault cases, where victims may be reluctant to testify due to fear or intimidation. However, the conviction of Donaldson on multiple serious charges demonstrates that the justice system can hold perpetrators accountable, even in the face of victim reluctance.