LEWISTON, ID – Lewiston police have arrested and charged 19-year-old Canaan M. Ortega, of Orofino, who is accused of raping and stragling a woman at her Lewiston residence in September. A warrant was issued Nov. 10 after an affidavit of probable cause was filed detailing the alleged assault.

According to the incident report and supporting documents, the woman told detectives the assault allegedly occurred on Sept. 9 after Ortega visited her home. She reported that the two had been communicating on Snapchat for several weeks but had previously made clear she did not want sexual contact. When Ortega arrived, the woman said he quickly became physically aggressive.

The affidavit states the woman reported repeated attempts to push Ortega away and told him to stop, but investigators say he allegedly continued using physical force. Police reports describe an extended physical struggle.

A medical examination at a local hospital documented injuries consistent with the victim’s statement, and a sexual assault kit was collected as part of the investigation.

Ortega was arrested on one count of rape and one count of attempted strangulation.  He was booked into the Nez Perce County Jail on Friday.  A video arraignment was also held on Friday.  Judge Kelley Porter set bond at $20,000.  Ortega remained in custody as of Monday morning.