A warrant was served Monday on a Knoxville man who allegedly committed sexual abuse in March. 29-year-old Sam Shafer of Knoxville is accused of sexually assaulting an acquaintance in the morning hours of March 5th at a residence in the 1600 block of East Robinson Street.

On March 9th, officers interviewed the victim at the Knoxville Hospital & Clinics emergency room and recorded statements. The victim said that she was sexually assaulted by Shafer. Evidence was collected from the residence, and Shafer was interviewed. When officers mentioned the possibility of DNA sampling, Shafer changed his recollection of the events. Evidence from the scene and DNA samples from both Shafer and the victim were sent to the DCI crime lab. Results showed that the DNA found on the victim’s clothing was that of Shafer.

Shafer was taken to the Marion County Jail, with bond set at $15,000. He faces charges of Sexual Abuse third degree, a Class C felony. Records indicate that Shafer was also convicted of domestic abuse charges in 2018 and 2019. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 19th.