A Norfolk jury found 25-year-old Zimonion Melvin Adams guilty Friday of a violent assault and extortion scheme that targeted a sex worker at a Shore Drive motel in 2024. The charges—two counts each of rape, sodomy, and extortion, along with abduction—stemmed from an incident that prosecutors say was both calculated and vicious.
The victim, who had previously met Adams during a consensual encounter, agreed to meet him again on Sept. 1, 2024, believing he was paying for sex. Instead, Adams pulled a knife and demanded money. She pleaded for her life, telling him she had no cash but might be able to reach someone who did.
According to court testimony, Adams forced the woman to perform oral sex and raped her. He then made her call relatives, who sent him money via a banking app. After the transaction, he sexually assaulted her again before leaving her in the shower and exiting the motel. Surveillance footage confirmed his movements.
Later that day, the victim contacted Norfolk Police and gave a detailed account. Investigators quickly identified Adams and obtained warrants. When arrested on Sept. 11, Adams admitted to being at the motel but claimed the sex was consensual. A search of the vehicle he used turned up a knife and a gun.
Despite his not guilty plea and request for a jury trial, jurors deliberated for just two hours before convicting him on all charges. Sentencing is set for Oct. 31.
“Mr. Adams violated the victim in this case in a premeditated, violent, and ruthless fashion,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “Sex workers are among our most vulnerable victims… Nobody deserves to go through what this victim endured.”