A Baltimore man was acquitted of multiple charges, including second-degree rape, on Tuesday after a trial that lasted two days in Baltimore Circuit Court. Derwin Cox, 51, from Upper Fells Point, was found not guilty by a jury that took less than an hour to deliberate.
The case against Cox had been marked by a series of delays, which led the woman involved, identified only as Jessica, to initially withdraw her cooperation due to financial constraints. She stated that the ongoing delays forced her to choose between testifying and her ability to pay rent.
Maryland Public Defender Natasha Dartigue praised the defense team, which included Assistant Public Defenders Judit Otvos and Janet Andersen, for their work in exposing what she described as a baseless case. Dartigue emphasized that the verdict not only restored Cox's freedom but also his reputation.
“The people of Baltimore City, serving as jurors, saw through the prosecution’s baseless case,” Dartigue remarked, underscoring the notion that Cox was a victim of wrongful accusation.
Following the initial dropping of charges in 2024, law enforcement decided to refile after speaking with an additional witness who corroborated Jessica's account. In her testimony, Jessica accused Cox of raping her after they had spent time together at a restaurant and bar on May 22, 2023. Cox, however, maintained that their encounter was consensual.
Despite the outcome, Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates expressed his office’s commitment to advocating for victims of crime, noting that while the verdict was not what they had hoped for, they would continue to pursue justice.
Jessica has indicated that she is struggling to process the verdict and plans to seek therapy. She also mentioned her intention to leave the country next summer.
Reported by HarborBeat based on thebanner.com (source).
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