As reported Amanda Milkovits in the April 17, 2012 edition of the Providence Journal, Providence Police have arrested three (3) men and charged them with multiple counts of first degree sexual assault, kidnapping, conspiracy and video voyeurism. The men are accused of repeatedly raping the same woman and videotaping their exploits. One of the men was on probation for felony assault.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 11-37-2, first degree sexual assault is defined as a person is guilty of first degree sexual assault if he or she engages in sexual penetration with another person, and if any of the following circumstances exist:
(1) The accused, not being the spouse, knows or has reason to know that the victim is mentally incapacitated, mentally disabled, or physically helpless.
(2) The accused uses force or coercion.
(3) The accused, through concealment or by the element of surprise, is able to overcome the victim.
(4) The accused engages in the medical treatment or examination of the victim for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification, or stimulation.
The penalties if convicted of first degree sexual assault include imprisonment for a period not less than ten (10) years and may be imprisoned for life. If released from prison, lifetime sex offender registration and sex offender counseling are also required.
Pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws 11-64-2, video voyeurism is defined as, a person is guilty of video voyeurism when, for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification or stimulation, such person:
(a) Uses, installs or permits the use or installation of an imaging device to capture, record, store or transmit visual images of the intimate areas of another person without that other person's knowledge and consent, and under circumstances in which that other person would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
(b) Intentionally, and with knowledge that the image was obtained in violation of subsection (a), disseminates, publishes, or sells such image of the captured representation of another person or persons depicted in the representation or reproduction, and who did not consent to the dissemination, publication or sale.
(2) A person is also guilty of video voyeurism when that person, for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification or stimulation, looks into an occupied dwelling or other building by use of an imaging device that provides images of the interior of a dwelling.
The penalties if convicted of video voyeurism include imprisonment for not more than three (3) years in jail and/or fined not more than five thousand dollars ($5000).
If you or a family member has been charged with first degree sexual assault, possession of child pornography or other sex crimes, please allow Attorney Robert H. Humphrey's reputation, experience and skill to successfully guide you through the legal process. Please contact Attorney Robert H. Humphrey, Esq., at 401-816-5862 or e-mail him at rhh@rhumphreylaw.com.