A Key West Harbor boater faces rape charges that include using a "sexual restraint collar" and mouth gag on a 27-year-old woman.
Jeffrey Sundwall, 46, was charged Wednesday for the alleged March 6 rape of a woman while aboard his 34-foot Trawler named Today. The boat was anchored in a harbor near Wisteria Island, an undeveloped island frequented by those with live-aboard boat homes.
Sundwall is accused of forcing himself on the woman sexually and using or threatening to use a deadly weapon and/or using force likely to cause serious personal injury.
This criminal offence, which is considered sexual battery with the use of physical force is punishable by a life conviction. An attempted homicide charge initially filed is not being pursued.
According to a report by the Miami Herald, the 27-year-old victim says Sundwall invited her to his boat and while she was on it, he came up behind her and put a collar “around her neck and choked her with it until she was unconscious.”
She said she woke from unconsciousness to find him raping her. At one point, she says she was begging for her life and he told her if she struggled she would die.
According say Sundwall operates a water taxi service. A witness called Sundwall for a ride to the island and when he showed up, the victim was with him. The victim used the witness's phone to call the Key West Police Department.
When police arrived, both the victim and Sundwall were present. Sundwall possessed crack cocaine so he was arrested on the scene for possession and tampering with evidence.
Sundwall has been in the Stock Island jail since his arrest with no bond allowed.