Carthage man held without bond, accused of forcibly raping co-worker

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On July 25th, 2022, officers with the Joplin Police Department responded to a business in the 3400 block of east Enterprise Avenue for a report of a rape. 

A female employee had reported being raped by a co-worker on the night of July 22nd outside of the business. 

Officers immediately initiated an investigation into the allegations and were able to confirm a sexual interaction did take place and developed probable cause to take the suspect into custody. 

During questioning, it was learned that the suspect, who identified himself as Justin Allaviz, was using a false means of identification. 

Through further investigation it was learned the suspect was actually Edgar E. Ruiz-Espana, age 27 of Carthage. Ruiz-Espana is from Guatemala had forged documents for false identification. 

Ruiz-Espana was arrested and charges were filed by the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for Rape in the 1st Degree. He is currently being held without bond.