Boston Criminal Lawyer Blog
A 41-year-old man who has been on Lynn authorities’ 10 Most Wanted List for allegedly trying to rape a 13-year-old girl a decade ago has pleaded not guilty to charges of indecent assault and battery on a child under age 14 and assault with intent to rape a child. Victor Cruz was apprehended in October 2009 for the 2000 Massachusetts sex crime. His arraignment was on Wednesday. His bail is $1 million.
Cruz is accused of trying to have sex with his live-in girlfriend’s daughter. The alleged victim was 13 at the time. The girl’s mother told him to leave their home following the allegations. He left the country and lived in the Dominican Republic for more than nine years.
However, federal authorities found him and made him return to the US last year so he could be charged with the alleged sex crime. Cruz’s Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer is disputing the girl’s account of what happened. He says there is no forensic evidence and the alleged victim’s accounts of what happened have not been consistent.
If convicted of indecent assault and battery, Cruz could be sentenced to up to 10 years in state prison. A conviction for the attempted rape assault charge could land him in prison for up to 20 years.
Assault with intent to rape a child
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265 Section 24, assault with intent to rape a child is a serious offense. The prosecutor must prove that the defendant committed an assault that made the alleged victim subject to battery regardless of whether or not the physical harm was actual or intentional.
Indecent assault and battery on a child under age 14
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 265 Section 13B, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the alleged victim was in fact under age 14, the defendant purposefully made actual physical contact with a victim’s private part(s), and the contact was indecent, offensive or harmful, and unjustified.
Bail set at $1M for Lynn ‘Most Wanted’ rape attempt suspect, TheDailyItemofLynn, January 14, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Massachusetts General Laws
Massachusetts Law about Sex
A conviction for a Massachusetts sex crime-especially one involving a victim younger than 14-can lead to serious punishments for the defendant. It is so important that you retain the services of an experienced Boston sexual assault law firm that can offer you solid defense.
