Several months after prosecutors dropped the case against a man who was accused of raping a woman when she could no longer afford to keep skipping work to testify at trial, the Baltimore State’s Attorney’s Office has refiled most of the charges.

Derwin Cox, 50, of Upper Fells Point, is wanted on charges of second-degree rape and third- and fourth-degree sex offense. A district court commissioner on Sept. 27 issued a warrant for his arrest, but the case did not until recently appear in the Maryland Judiciary Case Search.

On May 22, 2023, Cox met up with Jessica for dinner at a seafood restaurant, and the two later went out for drinks. He offered to walk her back to her home on the outskirts of Patterson Park, Baltimore Police allege.

Jessica, who asked only to be identified by her first name, told investigators that she woke up on a couch to him raping her, police reported. The Baltimore Banner does not identify people who say they have experienced sexual assault without their permission.

The Banner previously examined how Jessica took the rare step of reporting that she was sexually assaulted only to face a series of delays outside her control. She eventually had to decide between showing up in court and testifying or working and paying her rent.

In a statement, Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates said his office is “deeply committed to justice, fairness, and accountability.”

Prosecutors, he said, follow those principles and exercise the “utmost care and thoughtfulness” when deciding whether to refile charges. They weigh the public interest, strength of the evidence and rights of everyone involved in the case, Bates said.

“This process is not taken lightly and is never about simply pursuing convictions — it is about ensuring justice is served,” Bates said. “We understand the profound impact these decisions can have on individuals and our community, and we strive to approach them with diligence, transparency, and integrity.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Robert Render dropped the case on May 30 after he said he spoke to Jessica, who told him that “she’s lost enough money that she simply cannot afford to be here.”

“She’s much more concerned with paying her rent this month than with testifying at this trial,” Render said.

Cox could not be reached for comment. It’s unclear if he has retained an attorney.

Detectives reported that they spoke with an additional witness before refiling the charges. She told them that Jessica revealed that Cox raped her, police allege.

In an interview, Jessica said she repeatedly called and emailed and pushed for prosecutors to refile the charges. She said her efforts took a lot of work.

But she said she feels law enforcement is not prioritizing the arrest warrant.

“I haven’t gotten my justice,” Jessica said. “So I’m just waiting for the case to play out.”

Jessica said she’s soon starting law school. She wants to specialize in victims’ rights and specifically deal with cases like her own.

“I feel like I’ve lived in fear enough,” she said. “I’m ready to step boldly into my life.”