In our system of justice, every person is entitled to the best defense available to him or her. It doesn’t matter if it’s a first offense or multiple charges, understanding what is at stake as soon as possible after an arrest is important.
Dallas police added kidnapping and four counts of aggravated sexual assault to the rape charges a Texas man was already facing. These are some of the most serious criminal charges, and the penalties can be severe.
This latest accuser recognized the defendant from news reports. She stated they met through social media. In a similar manner as alleged attacks by other victims, the woman claims he raped her on Oct. 6, 2013, while brandishing a weapon and recording it on his cellphone.
The 27-year-old man is presently held in the Dallas County jail. Police reportedly seized his iPod and found about 10 videos of other apparent rapes. According to the latest victim to come forward, she was attacked at the same location where two previously reported assaults took place. The arrest warrant affidavit confirms that the video of the October attack was included on the iPod.
Identified in three other cases through police photo lineups, the man was charged with the Feb. 4 abduction and rape of a 16-year-old girl and a Jan. 7 rape of another woman. As evidence accumulated, authorities announced they will file additional charges for an Aug. 24 rape. In mid-February, video files were seized from the home of the defendant’s mother. Police expect more victims to be identified.
A situation as outlined here requires carefully crafted defense strategies that will protect the defendant’s rights and work towards an acceptable outcome. Whether a plea bargain negotiation is appropriate or full-fledged trial defense is required, gaining a clear understanding of options and long-term consequences of an aggravated sexual assault conviction is critical.
Source: The Dallas Morning News, “Police tack on another sex assault charge to alleged serial rapist” Tristan Hallman, Apr. 03, 2014