A former corrections officer who skipped out of town instead of facing the last few days of a domestic violence case was convicted of rape on Thursday.
Prosecutors realized on Monday that Francisco Martinez, who was out on $2,500 bail, fled to the Dominican Republic over the weekend. A jury found Martinez, 43, guilty of raping his wife over the course of three years.
"For years, the victim lived in fear at the hands of a serial abuser who threatened and intimidated her,” Manhattan District Attorney Vance said in a statement. Vance has been pushing for tougher laws for repeat domestic violence offenders.
Martinez’ lawyer, Steven Ross wouldn’t comment Thursday on whether he has heard from Martinez since he fled town, but said, “We feel that the lack of evidence did not support convictions on at least some of those charges.”
Martinez was found guilty of rape, stalking and menacing. The highest charge carries a sentence of up to seven years in prison.
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Newsday/Siena poll: Blakeman within single digits of Hochul ... Surging LI home heating costs ... Winds pick up as nor'easter nears ... Renovation of John and Alice Coltrane's Dix Hills home
