A new investigation into the Darren Sharper rape spree shows that police may have dropped the ball in preventing Sharper’s ensuing rape spree. The first rape allegation against Sharper came in September 2013 in New Orleans, and yet the district attorney was hesitant to act apparently because of who Sharper was to the city.
It wasn’t enough for the district attorney’s office. This was a “heater” — police shorthand for a high profile case. Prosecutors were hesitant to move too quickly on a local football hero with deep pockets and savvy lawyers, according to two individuals with knowledge of the investigation. They held off on an arrest warrant.
Sharper eventually decided to take a plea deal in his rape cases and will possibly serve half of a 20-year sentence. Doesn’t sound to fair, but the disparity lies in the fact that Sharper was allowed to remain unchecked for so long will he continued on his acts of depravity.
Nine women reported being raped or drugged by Sharper to four different agencies before his January 2014 capture. But police and prosecutors along the way failed to investigate fully the women’s allegations. They made no arrests. Some victims and eyewitnesses felt their claims were downplayed. Corroborating evidence, including DNA matches and video surveillance, was minimized or put on hold.
Many woman are often times hesitant to report sexual assaults, and this is a perfect example of why. It seems that the victim always has the burden of proving that the crime was committed and police are always hesitant to act, especially if a public figure is involved. If police had acted on the overwhelming evidence presented to them in 2013, maybe many more women would have been spared from being violated by Darren Sharper.
[h/t Pro Publica]