In 2022, Joe Ream, who was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Steven Jacobo, was charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Rome was initially arrested days after the shooting, but the Maricopa County District Attorney’s Office referred the case to Mesa police for further investigation. The 22-year-old man was arrested again last January.
The video in the player above includes a previous ABC15 coverage of The Killing of Jacobo.
According to court documents, the date of the alleged crimes is the same date Rome was arrested for murder. Court records say Rome is charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, under the age of 15.
Stephen’s father, Mark Jacobo, has spoken to ABC15 several times, as has he He sought justice for his son. The murder case is still in court, and Rome has pleaded not guilty.
ABC15 reached out to the Maricopa County District Attorney’s Office, who confirmed the cases involve the same suspect, but said they could not release additional details.
“We cannot say for sure how these accusations came about,” the MKAO communications staff said. “We have to maintain the integrity of the case.”
MCAO told ABC15 that each count of sexual exploitation of a minor has a range of ages 10-24 and must be served consecutively. This means that if Rome goes to trial and is found guilty on all 10 counts, she could face anywhere from 100 to 240 years, depending on the sentencing decision.