If you were accused of committing rape (Sexual Assault – C.R.S. 18-3-402) in Denver, Adams or Arapahoe County years ago, but were never caught, it doesn't mean you won't be prosecuted now. Alleged victims of sexual assault don't always speak up immediately, and delayed reporting is becoming more common. If the victim was a child, maybe they don't realize or understand the implications. Did you know there is no statue of limitations for child sexual assault? If the alleged victim was an adult, it is possible they felt pressure not to press charges, or it simply wasn't of benefit to them at the time (read our recent post about false rape accusations).
Recent Rape and Sexual Assault Charges Years after the Crime was Committed
- The Air Force is dealing with many claims that sexual assault allegations were ignored in the past. A woman recently testified in front of a congressional committee. She says that she was a victim of rape by a fellow airman while she slept – 20 years ago. The man was never charged because Air Force officials warned her against pursuing charges, and botched the investigation.
- Recently, in Castle Rock, a man was convicted for Sexual Assault on a Child – CRS 18-3-405 for crimes he committed between 1998 and 2004. He now faces 10 years to life in the Colorado Department of Corrections and must register as a sex offender and undergo sex offender treatment.
While true victims of sexual assault can receive justice for the acts committed against them, lengthy statutes of limitations provide the opportunity for people to get revenge on former spouses or boyfriends for a lifetime. A woman can accuse a former boyfriend of sexual assault 10 years ago to gain sympathy from her current boyfriend or family and friends. With this delayed reporting comes lost evidence, and weak memories which can impair a defendant's ability to defend himself.
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