Earlier this week, Charlamagne Tha God‘s 2001 rape case resurfaced when the alleged victim said she plans to lawyer up and reopen the case.
Jessica Reid was 15-years-old when she accused Charlamagne, who was 22, of raping her at a party in Charleston, South Carolina.
On July 2, 2001, he was arrested and charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor in the 2nd degree.
Reid’s mother, Joslyn, said she stopped her daughter from cooperating with the prosecution during the case in an effort to protect her from suffering.
Once the case fell apart, Charlamagne took a plea deal and copped to a lesser charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
He was sentenced to 3 years of probation and the case was disposed in 2002.
Jessica, now 32, told The Blast she never got over the rape and she’s seeking legal counsel in an effort to reopen the case and get justice. But, that’s not likely going to happen.
Via Billboard:
South Carolina Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett A. Wilson issued a statement on Thursday (July 12), noting that criminal charges against McKelvey were resolved in 2002 pursuant to a plead agreement between him and the state. The state allowed McKelvey to plea guilty to the lesser charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and agreed to dismiss the remaining charges against him.
“The plea was negotiated because the alleged victim in the matter did not cooperate with the prosecutor,” said Wilson in a statement. “The prosecutor made this agreement because of the victim’s absence and the lack evidence available at the time. While the tools and technology of justice have evolved, in cases involving personal violence, the State must have the witness to prosecute. Too often, the key witness will not come forward in support of criminal prosecution. Trying a tough case is no problem; trying an impossible case is not ethical.”
Charlamagne has taken his own precautions now that the case has resurfaced.
Via TMZ:
He’s lawyered up with famed celebrity bulldog attorney Marty Singer and Michael Weinstenwho tells TMZ, “More than seventeen years ago, Charlamagne was accused of a sexual assault. He never had sexual relations or any physical contact with the accuser and even provided DNA to prove it.”
“At the time of these claims, Charlamagne cooperated fully with authorities, and after the investigation, this charge against him was dropped.”
“Charlamagne has spoken about this many times over the years in public, including in his book. While Charlamagne has empathy for all sexual assault victims, he cannot take responsibility for a crime he did not commit.”
Charlamagne Tha God has never tried to shy away or hide from the allegations against him, his arrest or the case.
Watch an interview below where he discusses the case.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY8ELayRhyA
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