South Beach hotel rape suspect arrested in California

Derrick Jackson accused of raping woman at Hotel Breakwater

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – U.S. Marshals in California arrested a man wanted for sexually battering a tourist at her South Beach hotel in September.

Marshals arrested 28-year-old Derrick Jackson at a Motel 6 in Bakersfield, Calif., on Thursday afternoon.

On Sept. 6 at the Hotel Breakwater, Jackson followed a woman into the elevator and told her that he was getting off on the same floor, according to Miami Beach police. When they walked out, Jackson overpowered her, put her into a hold, then walked into her hotel room, where he sexually battered her.

Police said Jackson then stole money from the woman and ran away.

Elvin Maldonado, a manager at the Breakwater Hotel, said he was working when the alleged rape occurred.

"I was here the night when it happened. It was a very bad experience," Maldonado said.

The Breakwater has instituted a new policy since the incident: Guests must show their key cards to hotel security after 11 p.m. in order to enter, according to Maldonado. Also, only the front entrance is open and unlocked at night.

Maldonado said hotel security is a priority.

"I'm very that he's paying for what he did," he said.

Jackson will be charged with sexual battery by threats, kidnapping, and strong armed robbery when he's extradited back to South Florida.

According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Jackson was convicted of kidnapping, sexual assault, burglary, strong armed robbery, and grand theft in 2006.