Northport Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Victim He Met On Social Media

NORTHPORT, AL — A Northport man has been charged with first degree rape and two counts of first degree sodomy after reportedly meeting the victim on social media.

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The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit says Northport Police responded at around 6 p.m. Saturday to the 1400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in response to a report of sexual assault.

Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the multi-agency unit, said the victim told police she had travelled to the residence after meeting 23-year-old Lazerick Deon Benjamin on social media. However, after she arrived, she said Benjamin physically detained and sexually assaulted her.

Kennedy then said the victim sustained injuries during the assault.

Benjamin was eventually located by law enforcement and charged, which included investigators finding that he was currently out of jail on bond for previous robbery charges.

Due to his prior charges, Kennedy said no bond was applied to the new charges before being evaluated by a judge.

Kennedy then asked any other potential victims of Benjamin to contact the Violent Crimes Unit at (205) 464-8690.

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