Ex-Bullhead City police sergeant sentenced in rape of student
A former Bullhead City police sergeant convicted of raping a 21-year-old woman who was his criminal justice student at a local community college has been sentenced to the Arizona Department of Corrections.
A 14-year prison term was ordered Friday for Jesse Hoag, 38.
Hoag told Judge Billy Sipe that he knows prison can be a death sentence for a cop and that he is prepared to fight to survive. Hoag maintained his innocence and said he is dedicated to clearing his name from trial convictions for two counts of sexual assault.
“One day I will be exonerated,” Hoag said.
The victim read a lengthy statement detailing her suffering in the aftermath of being raped by Hoag and told the Court she attempted suicide.
Judge Billy Sipe credited Hoag for his four years in the Army, a tour of duty in Bosnia and 13 years of service to the Bullhead City police department.
But he also reminded Hoag that he testified that he was angry with his girlfriend and was looking for revenge sex when he met the victim and shared drinks with her in Laughlin in October, 2014.
Judge Sipe said he didn’t understand why Hoag targeted the student who trusted him for revenge sex. Sipe said it appears that Hoag is in denial and has distorted reality to be convinced of his innocence.