New Salem man’s public defender asking for bond modification on rape charges
The attorney for a New Salem man accused of a brutal rape in North Union Township is requesting a bond modification and suppression of the police photo lineup.
Rahmel Williams, 41, allegedly raped a woman in a remote area of Craig Lane on June 5 causing the alleged victim severe injuries that led to her colon being removed.
He was arraigned on 12 charges, including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated assault, kidnapping, simple assault, tempering with evidence and arson.
Last week, Fayette County Assistant Public Defender Shane Gannon filed a pre-trial motion requesting a judge modify Williams’ bond, which was set at $500,000 by Magisterial District Judge Ronald Haggerty Jr. on June 20.
In the motion, Gannon argued that Williams has been lodged in the Fayette County Prison for five months, has close ties to the community, is not a flight risk and turned himself in to the Uniontown Police Department.
Gannon also requested the court hold a suppression hearing dealing with the photographic lineup used by the Pennsylvania State Police where eight photos were shown to the alleged victim.
Gannon stated that Williams “contends that the lineup was unduly suggestive.” The alleged victim identified Williams as her assailant in the photo lineup.
Another request Gannon made was for Parks Casino Bar to release any and all surveillance video from June 4 to June 5 and to hold an evidentiary hearing, as Gannon claims the commonwealth did not present sufficient evidence on the charges of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and kidnapping.
Williams is currently awaiting trial.