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Editor’s note: The only formal criminal charge filed from this case against Cleon Jones was possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, but a jury in 2007 determined that he was not guilty.
Sandra Yi Reporting
A Salt Lake County cars salesman faces accusations of rape today. Police say the man stole personal information from a customer and then sexually assaulted her.
Police say the suspect in this case is a convicted murderer. Up until about five days ago he sold cars at Stockton to Malone Honda in Sandy. Police say he used his position there to commit his crime.
The 23-year old victim went to the dealership to look at cars. That's when she met the suspect. She filled out the credit application, the suspect then took her personal information.
Capt. Tom McLachlan, West Valley City Police Dept.: "There was no relationship other than he was a car salesman and she was interested in buying a car."
On February 6, police say the suspect showed up at the victim's home with a gun, forced his way in, and sexually assaulted her.
Capt. Tom McLachlan: "Prior to him leaving her, he threatened her. He says, 'I know who you are, I'll kill you. I also know where your family lives. If you report this to police, I'll also kill them.' This information was obtained from the credit report."
Police arrested the suspect, identified as Cleon Jones, yesterday. They searched his home and found the stolen gun, property belonging to the victim, and five ounces of cocaine.
Investigators say he's had run-ins with the law before. In November, Jones was arrested in Salt Lake City after he allegedly assaulted two women outside Club Vortex.
Police say Jones also had a no-bail arrest warrant out of California and served time for murder there.
At the time of his arrest, Jones was a licensed car salesman, as required by state law.
A spokesperson for the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division says a background check in 2003 came back clean. A background check wasn't required when he renewed his license the next year, and again, in 2006.
A spokesperson for Stockton to Malone Honda confirmed the suspect sold had cars there since April of 2003. She declined to answer questions until she had more information about the arrest.
For unknown reasons, Jones left his sales job on February 10th. But police believe, the investigation isn't over.
Tom McLachlan: "We feel that there are additional victims out there."
Call West Valley City Police if you think you were a victim. Cleon Jones faces multiple charges, including rape, drug and weapons charges.
