By: Eustoria Marie Borja
KOROR, Palau – A man is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly breaking into a residence in Ngermid, assaulting and restraining a woman, and later being found hiding in a vehicle with food he demanded from the victim.
Jesse Edward has been charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, third-degree assault, fourth-degree sexual assault, and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle in connection with the March 2, 2025, incident.
Police Response and Search for the Suspect
At approximately 11:52 a.m., police dispatch received a call from Kayla Rebluud, reporting that Edward had entered the residence of McKinley Singeo in Ngermid. She also reported that a woman, later identified as Mary Jane Bolilan, had fled from the property seeking help at her residence.
Officers Natasha Oiterong and Timarong responded to the scene, conducting a search of the premises, including vehicles and a boat parked at the residence, but did not locate Edward. Singeo was contacted, and officers obtained consent to enter and search his home, but the suspect was not inside.
Bolilan, along with four men, was found standing outside the house. The men were instructed to remain at the scene and to call the police if Edward returned. Officers then patrolled the surrounding area in search of the suspect.
Victim’s Account of the Attack
Bolilan told police that she had been doing laundry at Singeo’s main house and was returning to her apartment when she found the door open and Edward inside her kitchen, searching through the cabinets. She noticed that his body was shaking and his clothes were soaked.
Standing outside the apartment, she asked Edward what he was doing there, but before she could react, he grabbed her hair, covered her mouth, and warned her not to scream.
When she struggled to break free, Edward allegedly pulled her to the ground and began choking her. She stated that he used his legs to pin her down, making it difficult for her to breathe. After momentarily releasing her throat, Edward allegedly punched the side of her head when she tried to escape.
During the attack, Bolilan’s shirt fell open and he touched her breasts. She pleaded with him not to hurt her. He then allowed her to sit up while he sat in front of her, asking for food and water.
Escape and Police Intervention
Bolilan agreed to get him food and water. Edward let her put her shirt back on, but as they entered the apartment, he grabbed her by the hair and pushed her inside, blocking the door. After placing food on the table, she noticed Edward was still shaking.
He then locked the door, turned off the lights, and ordered her to go into the bathroom and turn on the shower so that no one could hear her. Fearing for her safety, she complied and locked herself in the bathroom.
Inside, she removed the window screen and glass, attempting to escape. Edward heard the noise and began knocking on the door, trying to get in. Bolilan quickly squeezed through the window and jumped out, running barefoot to a neighboring residence, where she sought help from Rebluud.
Rebluud reported hearing loud screams coming from Singeo’s property. She saw Bolilan running barefoot, yelling for help, and immediately let her inside. She described the victim as sobbing, hyperventilating, and in distress as she recounted what had happened.
Suspect Found Hiding in Vehicle
While police continued their search, some employees at M&A discovered Edward hiding in the back of Singeo’s Hummer, eating the food Bolilan had prepared.
Edward has been charged with:
First-degree burglary (Class B felony) – Unlawful entry with intent to commit a crime, causing bodily injury. Punishable by one to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
First-degree unlawful imprisonment (Class C felony) – Knowingly restraining a person under circumstances exposing them to serious bodily injury. Punishable by one to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Third-degree assault (misdemeanor) – Intentionally causing bodily injury. Punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
Fourth-degree sexual assault (misdemeanor) – Subjecting a person to unwanted sexual contact. Punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
Unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle (misdemeanor) – Entering a vehicle without authorization. Punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
Edward is held in custody as the investigation continues.