SALEM, Mass. (AP) - A Lawrence District Court officer charged with raping a female detainee in the courthouse on three occasions has pleaded not guilty in Salem Superior Court.
Jose Martinez was charged with multiple counts of rape and indecent assault and battery for allegedly assaulting the woman in 2009 and twice last year. Prosecutors say one assault took place in a courthouse stairwell.
The case is being handled by the Suffolk district attorney’s office to avoid a possible conflict of interest because the 47-year-old Martinez works in Essex County.
Prosecutors say they have DNA evidence.
Martinez’s attorney, Hank Brennan, says DNA evidence does not indicate a crime occurred. He says his 16-year-veteran client is a family man and expects to make $50,000 bail.
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