Defendant Convicted for Brutal Rape, Sexual Assault of Two Victims
DATE: September 24, 2021
CASE: Hawthorne McGee (Case #19FE022000)
PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Scott Schweibish, Adult Sexual Assault Prosecution Unit
Hawthorne McGee was convicted by a jury of rape, rape of a 14 year old and oral copulation by force of a 14 year old. The jury also found true a multiple victim enhancement.
In June 2006, the then 14-year-old victim saw a friend driving in a car with McGee. The victim and her friend ended up going back to McGee’s house. McGee instructed the friend to leave the house and the victim stayed behind. McGee then forcefully and brutally raped the victim for approximately one hour in his living room. McGee’s girlfriend was in the bedroom, but she could hear the victim crying and telling McGee she was only 14 years old. The girlfriend was able to drive the victim away from the house. In November 2009, a separate victim was waiting for the light rail when McGee began talking to her. McGee persuaded her to go have pizza with him. He then persuaded her to go back to a motel with him. The victim stated numerous times to McGee that she did not want to have sex and that they were just going to the motel to talk. The victim stated that once inside the room, McGee punched her several times and strangled her as he began to sexually assault her. The victim passed out and woke up in the bed several hours later with injuries all over her body. Evidentiary exams were conducted and DNA was collected after both sexual assaults. A CODIS hit later matched to McGee. After further investigation, charges were filed against McGee for both victims.
McGee has prior convictions for domestic violence, gun possession, DUI and reckless driving.
McGee faces a maximum sentence of 45 years to life in prison. Sentencing is set for October 20, 2021, at 1:30 pm in Department 23 before the Honorable Laurie Earl.