Man Charged in Shorewood Sexual Assault, Strangulation Case

MILWAUKEE -- A 23-year-old Milwaukee man has been charged with strangulation and suffocation, and second degree sexual assault after a reported incident in Shorewood in late July.

Staci Dion Apkarian faces up to 28 years in prison or up to $110,000 in fines, or both, if he is convicted.

According to his criminal complaint, Apkarian entered the home of a Shorewood female's house against her wishes on July 19 in the 2700 block of E. Shorewood Blvd. The female was reported to be Apkarian's ex-girlfriend, according to the criminal complaint.

Police reported that after entering the female's home without her permission, Apkarian approached her seeking physical contact. The female stated "no" and tried to reach for her cell phone to dial 911.

According to the complaint, Apkarian took the female's phone from her and forced her to the floor. Police say the female attempted to fight Apkarian by screaming, scratching and kicking him, but Apkarian put his hands over her mouth and nose.

At that point, according to the complaint, Apkarian forcibly engaged in sexual intercourse with the female against her wishes.

After Apkarian left the residence, the female stated she received text messages asking her not to report him to police, the complaint said.

He is currently being held in the Milwaukee County Jail on a $10,000 cash bond. According to court records, Apkarian has waived his preliminary hearing and has a scheduling conference planned for Aug. 10.