News

Brevard man convicted of sexually assaulting sleeping woman

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 6, 2025

A 29-year-old from Brevard man was sentenced to up to 12 years in prison on Monday after he pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual offense just before jury selection was to begin, District Attorney R. Andrew Murray announced.

According to the investigation and court trial records, on May 11, 2023, the victim went to a birthday party where she stayed the night and awoke to the defendant, Antonio Lajuan Lucas, digitally penetrating her. The victim and the defendant were not romantically involved but knew each other previously as acquaintances. Two other women came forward with similar stories of the defendant sexually assaulting them while they were sleeping. They also were never romantically involved with the defendant and only knew him as an acquaintance.  

Superior Court Judge Robert Ervin, presiding during the Transylvania County Criminal Superior Court Session, sentenced the defendant to a minimum of six years one month and a maximum of 12 years four months in prison. Lucas will also have to register as a sex offender for 30 years and abide by the special laws regulating those who commit sex offenses.

Assistant District Attorneys Lily Ferry and Michael Van Buren handled the prosecution and sentencing of this crime. Murray thanked the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office and lead Detective Stony Gonce for the professional and thorough investigation of the case.

“When someone sexually violates a person, helpless or not, they will be prosecuted accordingly," Murray said. "Prison is the appropriate place for a man who preys on women when sleeping.”