AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – A man copied a woman’s room key at an Oakland County hotel, broke into her room, and raped her before abruptly flying back home, officials said.
Joel Delavara, 36, of Yuma, Arizona, was staying at an Auburn Hills hotel on Aug. 14, 2024, when he had a copy made of a woman’s room key, according to police.
It’s not clear exactly how that key was copied.
Delavara is accused of going into the woman’s room and sexually assaulting her before flying back to Arizona.
The woman reported the attack, and Oakland County prosecutors charged Delavara with:
- First-degree criminal sexual conduct -- a felony with a maximum penalty of life in prison.
- Second-degree criminal sexual conduct -- a felony with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
- First-degree home invasion -- A felony with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
“The impact of rape on a victim and our community is immense,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. “This case will be handled by my office’s Special Victims Unit, which is dedicated to prosecuting violent sex offenders and getting justice for victims. We will hold perpetrators fully accountable under the law.”
Delavara was taken into custody and arraigned Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at 52-3 District Court. Bond was set at $100,000, or 10%.
Delavara has posted bond, officials said.
A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 19, and a preliminary examination is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 26.
