BOSTON, November 26, 2018—As jury selection was set to begin today in his Suffolk Superior Court rape trial, a man pleaded guilty to charges he sexually assaulted a female acquaintance, Suffolk County District Attorney John P. Pappas said.

JEROME HAIRSTON, 49, who does not have a fixed address, today pleaded guilty to rape as a subsequent offense and strangulation in connection with the 2016 attack on a woman inside the home of Hairston’s relative. Assistant District Attorney Jillian Hira of the DA’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit recommended a term of 18 to 20 years in state prison. Judge Elizabeth Fahey sentenced Hairston to six to eight years in state prison followed by four years of probation during which he must have no contact with the victim, maintain his sex offender registry status, and complete sex offender evaluation and treatment.

Had the case proceeded to trial, Hira would have presented evidence and testimony to prove that the victim was visiting a relative of Hairston at a Northampton Street apartment on the evening of Nov. 6, 2016. Hairston was also present. After the relative left the apartment to go to the store, Hairston sexually assaulted and then strangled the victim, the evidence would have proved.

The victim was able escape the apartment and reported the assault to a security guard, who contacted Boston Police. Responding officers located Hairston inside the apartment and placed him under arrest.

Hairston was previously convicted of rape of a child in 1988.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, Pappas said. While the victims of any crime are asked to call 911 in an emergency, survivors of sexual violence can also call their local rape crisis center for free and confidential services and to discuss their options. Support is available for all survivors of sexual violence, regardless of whether they wish to take part in a criminal prosecution. Services by city and town can be found at www.janedoe.org/find_help/search.

In Suffolk County, the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center offers a free and confidential 24-hour hotline at 800-841-8371. The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center provides medical accompaniment and many other free services to victims of rape and sexual assault. Suffolk victim-witness advocates can assist in referrals to BARCC and a wide array of non-profit service providers who can offer additional support and services.

“Survivors of sexual assault can count on Suffolk prosecutors and victim advocates to provide a safe, confidential, victim-centered environment,” Pappas said.

Anne Kelley-McCarthy was the DA’s assigned victim witness advocate. Hairston was represented by Joshua Raiser-Cohn.

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All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.