SALISBURY MAN CONVICTED OF RAPE AND SEX OFFENSES IN WICOMICO COUNTY COURT

Salisbury, Maryland - A 24-year-old man, JN Karl Felix, has been convicted by a Wicomico County jury of numerous offenses, including second-degree rape, third-degree sexual offense, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of fourth-degree sexual offense, and false imprisonment. The trial, overseen by the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, Kathleen L. Beckstead, lasted two days and concluded on August 28, 2024.

The events leading to these charges occurred on August 23, 2023, when Felix asked a family friend, the victim, to accompany him to a local mechanic shop. After leaving his car at the shop, Felix took the victim to a friend's apartment under the pretense of retrieving another vehicle key. It was here that Felix molested and raped the victim despite her active resistance.

Following the incident, the victim swiftly reported it, leading to a forensic investigation. The latter confirmed the assault, with Felix's DNA being found on the victim.

Felix will remain in custody while awaiting sentencing, with the sentencing date deferred until the conclusion of a pre-sentence investigation.

Wicomico County State's Attorney (SA) Jamie L. Dykes expressed her hope that the victim would find peace and a restored sense of security after the verdict. Additionally, Dykes expressed her appreciation for the efforts of Detective G. Wells of the Salisbury Police Department and other members of the department for their work in the investigation, as well as the medical professionals from Tidal Health Peninsula Regional Hospital. The Senior Assistant State's Attorney Michael Calabrese, who acted as prosecutor, was also commended for his advocacy for justice.