Jury Convicts Former Lawrence Resident of Rape

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that late yesterday a jury convicted former Lawrence, now Wichita, resident Albert N. Wilson, 23, of rape by force or fear.  The jury was hung on a second rape charge.  The Court set a hearing for January 16 at 2:00 p.m. to determine if the State will retry that charge.  Wilson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty of the second charge filed in the case.  Charges are merely allegations of criminal conduct. 

The case began when in the early morning hours of September 11, 2016 the victim met Wilson at a bar located in the 1300 block of Ohio.  The victim was at the bar with her female cousin and Wilson was there with a male friend.  The victim was heavily intoxicated and Wilson separated the victim from her cousin.  After interaction at the bar, Wilson led the victim away from the location, took her to his house, and raped her.  The victim repeatedly told Wilson, “No,” and that she was, “too drunk.”  Investigation by LPD officers led to the identification of Wilson and he was later charged with the criminal case. 

The jury trial in the Division Two Courtroom began on Monday, January 7.  Opening statements were delivered Tuesday morning.  The trial continued throughout Tuesday and all of Wednesday.  Closing statements were delivered Thursday morning, and the case was given to the jury for consideration shortly after 11:00 a.m.  The jury deliberated all afternoon and its guilty verdict was returned around 5:00 p.m.  The Court ordered Wilson’s bond revoked and that be held in custody.  Further case information will be available following Wednesday’s hearing. 

The Honorable Sally D. Pokorny presided over the trial.  The case was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department and Chief Assistant District Attorney Amy McGowan prosecuted the case. 

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*Rule 226 - Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct

3.6 Advocate: Trial Publicity

3.8 Advocate: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor