Ogdensburg man found guilty in Valentine rape

CANTON — After 21/2 hours of deliberations, a St. Lawrence County jury Wednesday found an Ogdensburg man guilty on all counts for breaking into a woman's home on Valentine's Day 2009 and raping her after she passed out following a night of heavy drinking.

A jury of seven men and five women found Raymond R. Bjork Jr., 38, guilty in County Court on two counts of first-degree criminal sexual act and single counts of first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree burglary as a sexually motivated felony and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. The charge of second-degree burglary, a lesser included offense, wasn't included in the verdict because it was covered by the second-degree burglary as a sexually motivated felony.

He could face multiple prison terms of 25 years when sentenced Oct. 18. Bjork shook his head in disbelief, while staring at the jurors, when the jury foreman read guilty on all counts.

"I think justice was done here," District Attorney Nicole M. Duvé said. "Raymond Bjork Jr. didn't understand that no meant no, and hopefully now he does."

Ms. Duvé, who called the victim shortly after the verdict was announced, said the woman was ecstatic and relieved that justice was done.

"She's very happy with the outcome," Ms. Duvé said. "This was a jarring, frightening experience to find a man in your home engaged in unwanted sexual activities. This brings her some peace of mind."

Defense attorney Brian D. Pilatzke declined to comment after the verdict.

Judge Jerome J. Richards sent Bjork back to St. Lawrence County jail without bail until his sentencing.

Bjork was convicted in 1998 on two counts of attempted second-degree burglary and pleaded guilty in 2003 to third-degree criminal sale of marijuana.