Sexual battery conviction sends man to prison

A Douglas County man was sentenced on Nov. 4 to life in prison without parole plus 30 consecutive years after being convicted of aggravated sexual battery and domestic violence charges.

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A jury found Cassius Mikedel Bering Jr. guilty on Oct. 22 of aggravated sexual battery, criminal attempt to commit a felony, first-degree burglary, aggravated stalking, false imprisonment and family violence battery.

The charges stem from a July 10, 2024, incident at a residence in Winston. Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a domestic dispute call at the home, where the victim reported that Bering entered her bedroom while she was sleeping, restrained her and sexually assaulted her. The victim had an active temporary protective order against Bering at the time of the assault.

Deputies observed bruising and scratches on the victim’s neck, arm, hand and wrist before she went to the hospital for a sexual assault examination.

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A family member reported seeing Bering leave the residence and head toward the wood line. Deputies located and arrested him the same day. Law enforcement also recovered a note previously left at the home that contained references to killing and sexual violence.

District Attorney Dalia Racine commended the victim and thanked investigators for their work.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. The defendant violated that safety,” Racine said. “We commend the victim for her courage in coming forward and thank the jury for its careful consideration of the evidence. We are grateful to our law enforcement partners and our team for investigating and presenting a thorough case. Our office remains committed to holding offenders accountable and supporting survivors throughout the pursuit of justice.”

Chief Superior Court Judge Cynthia Adams presided over the trial. Assistant District Attorneys Nelly Ndounteng and Courtney Williams-Speed prosecuted the case alongside Investigator Erica Ray, Victim Advocate Brittany Humphrey and Legal Assistant Dana Haynes. Former Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Officer Kurt Stauffer served as the lead law enforcement officer on the case.

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