American Football Player, Lawrence Taylor pleads not guilty to Rape
The 1999 Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, American football player has made it to the headlines once again for all the wrong reasons. The linebacker, at the age of 51, has been charged of sexual offence once again. Famously known as L.T, the former star has been charged of sexual abuse, criminal act of the third degree, rape and demeaning a prostitute.
He was arrested on May 6th at a hotel in N.Y after the alleged victim accused Taylor Lawrence of rape. Soon after the arrest, a testimony was given to the NYPD by a woman who apparently accompanied the 16yr old girl to the hotel. According to the woman, the alleged victim was not raped; in fact, she did not even have s*x with the accused defendant. The 23yr old witness said that after the young girl returned to the car she said "It was weird ... we didn't even have s*x”. The witness gave the statement to the investigators under the circumstances that it should not be acknowledged under any grounds of who she is.
The victim exclaimed that she was assaulted and abused by her pimp when she disagreed to go. She said that her pimps name was Rasheed Davis and that he drove her more than 25 miles to a hotel in New York, where apparently Taylor was waiting for her. Rasheed was arrested in Bronx soon after he returned and was charged of s*x trafficking.
Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe said “One of the most effective ways to target prostitution is to go after the johns. This indictment underscores our serious commitment to prosecuting those defendants who create a market for the region's growing s*x trade.”
Long time business manager Mark Lepselter for Taylor said, "We made a strategic decision not to put him or any of our evidence before the grand jury, obviously it's not a pleasant day for him or his family”.
The former New York Giants linebacker could face up to 4 years or more in jail if convicted.
Update:
The former NFL Hall-of-Famer, who apparently paid a young girl $300 to have s*x with him at an unknown hotel room in New York, has been pleaded not guilty in Rockland County Court. He was accounted for third-degree rape, sexual abuse, patronizing a prostitute and endangering a child.
The former Giants linebacker smiled after his case was over, said “it must be a slow news day”, turned around, and asked his friend if he was going to play golf today.
After the hearing, the 51 year old Taylor held his wife Lynette’s hand as he walked towards his car, while reporters gathered around him asking if he was guilty, Taylor said, “grow up”. The prostitute also filed a complaint against her alleged pimp, who has finally been convicted with unlawful imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a child and assault.
An appeal was made by Patricia Gunning who is the Rockland County District Attorney, she asked for a six-month extension, so Taylor could stay away from the alleged victim as he was ordered to do so in his first court appearance. Arthur Aidala Taylor’s attorney protested against the order and said, "It is Mr. Taylor's position that this person is an absolute stranger to him and he doesn't know who this person is”.
To which William Nelson the judge said, “Then he should stay away from this person he doesn't know”.
After some bickering, Taylor was able to sign the order. Aidala said he wanted to challenge the evidence against Lawrence, he also said that he wanted the defence to look into all the statements that were made during the investigation and if they were voluntary. Arthur also stated that he would like the challenge the girl to identify Taylor.
Lawrence Taylors agent Lepselter said that he has never seen Taylor in such a subdued condition, and that Taylor is trying his level best to mentally get through it. Bail has been set to $75,000 and the court still holds Taylor’s passport.
The next date set for Taylor to appear in court is 24th August.
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