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Pinellas Park Police: Rapist Lived In Conversion Van

Pinellas Park Police Department photo

A number of women's panties were found in the conversion van, police said.

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 3, 2008

Jerral David Martin

PINELLAS PARK - A man living out of his conversion van has been charged in two rape cases, one in March at a mobile home park, the other one in May at an apartment complex, police said.

Patrol officers first encountered Jerral David Martin, 31, on May 20 when he emerged as a suspect in an attempted break-in at a Days Inn at 11333 U.S. 19, Pinellas Park police said. He later was charged with burglary.

Officers then came across evidence linking Martin to a break-in at Whetstone apartments, 8400 49th St., where a person was raped, they said. The sexual assault at 2 a.m. occurred the same day as the break-in at the motel, police said.

Since his initial arrest, Martin has been linked to a break-in May 16 and a rape at Gator Lake Mobile Home Park, 9100 41st St. N., Pinellas Park police say. He was charged with burglary and sexual battery.

He also has been charged with burglary and false imprisonment in an incident March 28 at Residence Inn, 5050 Ulmerton Road, police say.

Theft does not appear to be the motive in these cases, they said.

A number of women's panties were found in the conversion van, police said. This has led investigators to surmise there may be more victims who have yet to report what happened to them.

Detectives continue to work with agencies in and out of Florida, including those in Texas where Martin is a suspect in at least one break-in, to determine whether Martin committed other assaults.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.

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