A 23-year-old man was arrested on July 8 for allegedly groping a blind woman late last month while the two were near a building at Broward College. The man, who is on probation for burglary, was charged with violating that probation as well as a series of crimes in connection with the alleged incident. Those charges include abuse of a disabled adult, battery and stalking.
The arrest report indicated that the June 29 incident began when the woman used her walking cane at the school. In the midst of a rainstorm, she waited near the door of a campus building, which is when the man allegedly approached. Feeling uncomfortable after the man reportedly asked for her phone number, the woman began to walk away to go inside the next building.
Police indicated that surveillance video allegedly showed him standing behind the woman before grabbing her and touching her vagina. When she reached the other building, her unfamiliarity with the building left her disoriented, with the man allegedly following her while ignoring her apparent plight.
The man then allegedly groped the woman’s vagina again and left. Police later indicated that the arrested man identified himself from a photograph from the video.
Given the seriousness of the charges, the man is in need of a qualified Broward criminal lawyer like Kenneth Hassett. The unique nature of this case, considering the alleged victim’s disability, makes it one where intent is important, especially when it comes to both the battery and stalking charges.
While video is reportedly a key part of this case, there’s no mention of any audio available. That omission could conceivably make a difference in the subsequent prosecution in which proof beyond a reasonable doubt must be established.
In addition, intent with respect to the stalking charge is also important. That’s because proving this charge requires the prosecution to show willful, malicious or repeated conduct on the part of the accused. In the latter case, this area focuses on individuals who are either followed or harassed by their alleged stalkers.
Another factor that the prosecution must deal with is proving that the victim suffered emotional distress due to the interaction.
Therefore, if you or someone you know has been charged with either battery, stalking or any crime of this nature, contact the law office of Broward criminal lawyer Kenneth Hassett. A free consultation is available to discuss your case.
