Cottonwood Police Department arrested 42-year-old Justin Lee Piper for alleged involvement in a sexual abuse and kidnapping that occurred late last month in Cottonwood.
In late March, 2023, a female victim reported that Piper allegedly went into her residence uninvited and shut the door behind him.
The victim told police she was familiar with Piper through a mutual friend but he had never come over uninvited before.
When she reportedly told him to leave, he allegedly made sexual advances towards her. During these advances she claimed he allegedly forced her to the floor and began assaulting her as she resisted.
Piper then reportedly left her residence in his vehicle.
Investigators from the Cottonwood Police Department collected substantial evidence and arrest Piper earlier this week. He was charged with sexual abuse, kidnapping and assault.
He was booked into the Yavapai County Detention Facility in Camp Verde and has since been released on a $50,000 bond.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this week is Crime Victims’ Rights Week. CPS Sgt. Chad Sinn stated the Cottonwood Police Department is dedicated to thoroughly investigating each report of sexual assault. Officers and detectives are trained in suspect investigative techniques, as well as trauma-informed methodology when working with victims of crime. Victims are not alone. Wraparound services and support are offered to victims each step of the way from the Department’s in-house victim advocate, to financial assistance provided by the Victim Compensation Program, to counseling, support groups, shelter and legal assistance provided by the Verde Valley Sanctuary.
For more information or services, contact verdevalleysanctuary.org; arizonasurvivors.org; or CPD Victim Advocate jrutschow@cottonwoodaz.gov
