ST. LOUIS, MO  (October 21, 2026) — A St. Louis jury found Jeilani Haji, 38, guilty of 19 felony charges involving sexual offenses against three minors, including first-degree forcible rape, attempted first-degree forcible rape, three counts of first-degree statutory rape, four counts of second-degree statutory rape, first-degree child molestation, two counts of fourth-degree child molestation and seven counts of incest. The offenses occurred between 2004 and 2019 in the city's JeffVanderLou, Columbus Square, and Bevo Mill neighborhoods.

According to court documents, Haji sexually assaulted three victims over a period spanning more than a decade. The first victim, who was related to Haji, was younger than 12 when he sexually assaulted her between November 2004 and December 2005 in the 3100 block of Brantner Place. Between January 2011 and April 2013, Haji sexually assaulted a second victim, who was also related to him and was younger than 14 at the time, at a residence in the 700 block of Cole Street. The abuse continued in 2016, when the victim was younger than 17, at locations in the city's Bevo Mill neighborhood. Haji also sexually touched a third victim, who was younger than 17, between May 2018 and July 2019 at a residence in the 4400 block of Gravois Avenue.

“These victims made the difficult decision to come forward and confront the person who abused them,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “Their courage made this prosecution possible and ensured their voices were heard. We hope this verdict provides them with a measure of justice and encourages other survivors to know that it is never too late to come forward.”

Jurors also found the defendant to be a predatory sexual offender, requiring a sentence of life imprisonment. The court will determine the minimum period he must serve before becoming eligible for parole or other early release. His sentencing is scheduled for January 25, 2027.

Special Victims Unit Supervisor Kayla Womble, Assistant Circuit Attorney Anna Goodson, and Assistant Circuit Attorney Payton DeaVault prosecuted the case.

The defendant’s case number is 2522-CR03057-01.