Defendant Convicted of Raping Unconscious Woman

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained a conviction against a man who raped an unconscious woman.  Gavin John Quaedvlieg, 25, was found guilty-as-charged of Rape.  Judge Steve Sword revoked Quaedvlieg’s bond, ordered him into custody, and set the case for sentencing on February 23.

In a two-day, one-witness trial, Assistant District Attorney Joanie Stewart explained to the jury that on February 23, 2020, the victim and Quaedvlieg were both students at the University of Tennessee.  The two met at an off-campus apartment where Quaedvlieg provided the victim with a “dab” which is a concentrated marijuana extract.  The victim became ill and repeatedly told Quaedvlieg not to touch her before she lost consciousness.  The victim awoke to Quaedvlieg sexually assaulting her.  Quaedvlieg asked the victim to forget about the incident and offered to pay her if she did not report the rape; however, the victim reported the crime to the Knoxville Police Department, the University of Tennessee, and the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee.

“This victim was incredibly brave to come forward and confront her abuser,” said DA Charme Allen.  “The jury credited her testimony and came to a just verdict.”

Rape is a Class B felony that carries a punishment of eight to twelve years.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Veronica Fay aided in the prosecution of this case.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.