Man pleads guilty in May 2015 attack at Jefferson City hotel
An Oklahoma man has pleaded guilty to assault a little more than a year after his arrest in an attempted rape investigation.
Austin Zavala pleaded guilty to the charges in court Thursday. He was originally charged with attempted rape, but pleaded to a lesser charge of assault.
The attack happened at the Candelwood Suites hotel in Jefferson City in May 2015. According to court documents, Zavala jumped over the counter and grabbed the hotel clerk. The documents said he then tried to remove her clothes and cover her mouth with his hand.
Three guests heard the attack, according to the court documents. Two called 911 and a third called down to the desk phone to see if she was okay.
She answered the phone and asked for help. Zavala then reportedly took off running.
At the time of the attack, Zavala was working for a sub-contractor, Ellsworth Electric, at the site for the new Sam’s Club in Jefferson City. The entire attack was captured on a video surveillance camera. A Jefferson City police officer who watched the video called the attack “vicious.”
He told ABC 17 News the clerk fought back, never allowing Zavala to gain full control. The clerk was treated for abrasions on her upper torso, arms, back and legs at St. Mary’s Hospital.
