A Maryland man who has been convicted of rape could face as much as 100 years behind bars. His sentencing will not take place until July 30. He denies that he is guilty, but a jury did not agree, and he was recently convicted.
The sexual abuse reportedly began in 2010, and the girl was just 14 at the time. She told the jury that there were numerous times over the next two years in which she was subjected to abuse. Twice, she said, the man groped her against her will. Four other times, he raped her. She said that she was struggling to escape him while this was happening, but she could not get away.
The attacks took place at two different residences, but both of them were in Crofton.
The jury did not need long to reach a conviction, only spending three hours looking at the evidence before determining that he was guilty. The trial itself took place at the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, which is located in Annapolis, Maryland.
Before someone is convicted of sexual abuse or any related crime, he or she deserves to have a fair trial in which a jury takes the time to look at the evidence and listen to the defense. However, their rights do not end after they are convicted. Even then, defendants have a right to a fair sentence when they get to the sentencing hearing, which takes place after the trial. It is crucial that defendants know what their rights are in this situation to ensure that they are not violated.
Source: The Baltimore Sun, “Man convicted of rape, sex abuse of teen in Crofton” Nayana Davis, May. 29, 2014
