Former Convict Charged in Brutal Attack and Rape of Woman He Met Online

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A Memphis man who previously served time in prison for armed robbery is now facing charges of aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. The charges stem from an alleged attack on a woman he met on a dating platform, where he is accused of assaulting her with a gun and sexually assaulting her before she was able to escape.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential dangers of online dating and the need for increased safety measures and background checks for users. It also raises concerns about the criminal justice system's ability to effectively rehabilitate and monitor repeat offenders.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, the victim met Andre Jackson, 27, on the Facebook Dating platform a week before the alleged attack. On February 1, Jackson reportedly showed up at the victim's apartment complex armed with a purple handgun, struck her in the face, and then assaulted her inside at gunpoint. The victim was eventually able to break free and flee, but a struggle ensued when Jackson allegedly tried to pull her back inside. During the struggle, Jackson's gun fired twice, but no one was hit. The victim was able to disarm Jackson, who then fled the scene partially undressed, leaving behind his pants, underwear, gun, phone, and car keys.

• On February 1, the victim called police for help from an apartment complex in the Fox Meadows area of Memphis.
• Jackson was formally booked on February 6 and issued a $200,000 bond the next day.
• Jackson's next court date is scheduled for Thursday morning.

What’s next

Jackson's next court date is scheduled for Thursday morning, where a judge will determine if he should be granted bail.