Bullhead City tells judge cop accused of rape should stay jailed

KINGMAN, Ariz. — A Bullhead City woman told a Mohave County judge Tuesday she won’t feel safe if a police sergeant accused of raping her and trying to assault another woman is released on bail.

The 21-year-old addressed the court during Bullhead City Sgt. Jesse Hoag’s initial appearance in Kingman on Tuesday on two counts of sexual assault.

“I don’t feel safe with him being free and walking around like nothing ever happened,” the woman told Mohave County Superior Court judge Derek Carlisle. “I fear for my life and I fear for the possibility there may be other victims if he is released back into the community.”

Hoag, 37, an 11-year veteran officer, is on paid administrative leave as internal and criminal investigations continue. Hoag was suspended Oct. 3 after the woman said she had been raped after they had drinks together at a bar in Laughlin.

A police affidavit says the woman and Hoag met up after she asked him for help preparing to become a law enforcement officer. She was pursuing an administration of justice degree at Mohave Community College, where Hoag served as her instructor.

The woman told investigators she initially consented to sexual intercourse, according to the affidavit, but Hoag later forced himself on her after she said to stop.

“I can’t sleep, I can’t eat, and I can’t do my schoolwork,” she said. “He took a piece of me and a piece of my life.”

Judge Carlisle set bond at $35,000 for Hoag, who was arrested Monday . He ordered that Hoag have no contact with the woman and to stay away from Mohave Community College.

“I’m still innocent until proven guilty,” Hoag told the judge, saying he wants to be released. He said he is vetting defense attorneys.

Hoag also faces prosecution in Clark County. He was arrested Oct. 22 after another woman claimed he tried to rape her after they met at the same Laughlin bar where Hoag and the first woman shared drinks.