(CMR) A police officer and his sexual companion were convicted this afternoon in a sexual assault case where they claimed that the victim was a willing participant. A jury of their peers did not entirely believe them and found them guilty of indecent assault.
Antonio O’Neal Marshall and Ericka McFarlane Lynch had their bail extended until a special hearing on Wednesday before the Honourable Acting Justice Carter.
The defendants never denied that the act took place. Instead, the defense for both defendants was that the victim had consented to the acts against her and was a willing participant.
Marshall was acquitted of count one which was assault by penetration and related to an accusation of digital penetration which was wholly denied by the defendant. Both defendants faced a charge of indecent assault for sex performed on the victim. Marshall was accused of performing oral sex and Lynch participated by engaging in sexual acts with the victim's breasts.
In this unusual case, the matter came to the police's attention after the victim confided in another officer about the assault. He, in turn, sought legal advice and reported the matter to the Professional Standards Unit (PSU), who in turn encouraged the victim to come forward. The victim eventually made a formal complaint.
Observers of the trial shared that they were shocked that one of the lawyers was able to put the victim under such immense questioning which they felt crossed professional lines. At one point, the trial was at risk of not proceeding because the victim became so despondent she refused to continue being cross-examined by the attorney.
Both parties are civil servants and had been placed on leave since their arrest back in April 2021.
Police officer arrested and placed on suspension after sexual assault allegations
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