S.A.A.R.A.

Joni's Story:
My name is Joni Poole. I am a 17 year old Senior in High School. I am telling my story in hopes to help others who have been a victim of a sexual crime.




On August 22, 2007. I was at work. Near the end of my shift, around 7:45 P.M., I was raped by a Co-Worker. As soon as I could leave my workplace, I immediately began calling my mother from my cell phone. I drove about a mile down the road to her Job. We then went to the hospital and had a rape kit performed. We then began the process of pressing charges. From that moment on, the next year of my life would become a living nightmare. Investigators did not want to believe me. They told us that there was no way it was rape. Due to me turning 16 a nineteen days prior to the attack, the perpetrator could not be arrested for statutory rape. DNA tests were performed and proved that the accused was in fact the perpetrator of the crime. The magistrate judge would not give us a warrant for his arrest due to lack of evidence, so he said. Although by law, all that is needed to secure a warrant is probable cause. However, no matter what others said, I was not going to give up.




We then turned to the Assistant District Attorney, much to my surprise she wanted to help. She was enrage at how I had been treated by the Magistrate Court and decided to pursue the case. The case was brought before a grand jury, the jury agreed to issue a warrant for his arrest. A few weeks later we went back to court to choose a jury, the jury was chosen and trial was set for the next day. However, the original investigator hurt himself an unfortunate accident and would not be able to attend court. Therefore, Court was rescheduled for September 22, 2008. 1 year and 1 month after the Rape occurred.




We picked jury Monday, September 22, 2008. The two cases ahead of us plead out, therefore, our case was moved up to Wednesday, September 24. We began trial at 2:00 pm. on Wednesday. After opening arguments, it was time for me to testify. I was so scared and nervous. I could not stand the thought of being in the same room as the man who raped me. The questions I was asked were difficult and embarrassing to answer. I felt angry and a million other emotions the entire time I was on the stand. After the Assistant District Attorney asked me questions, it was time for me to be cross-examined by the Defense Attorney. He asked very difficult and sometimes confusing questions. However, I stood strong and did not let him shake me. After I finished testifying I was released and asked to return to the witness room. I felt satisfied with my testimony and so was the Assistant District Attorney. A few more people testified Wednesday and the case was put on hold until the next day. We began trial again the next morning. The last of the witnesses testified Thursday morning. After testimonies were finished it was time for closing arguments. The defense Attorney called me a "liar" many times and said, "if my client is convicted based on a liars testimony, then we need to burn this court house down and plant a turnip patch." He also tried to discredit me many times, but it did not work. After closing arguments the Judge told us to remain at the courthouse until the verdict was read. She charged the jury. They were told what the charges were, and the definition of each charge.
He was charged with:


Count 1: Rape
Count 2: False Imprisonment
Count 3: Sexual Battery
After charges were read, the Jury went to the Jury room for deliberation. The perpetrator was again offered a plea bargain of 1 year in boot camp, 10 years probation, and Sex Offender Registry. He was able to accept this verdict until the Jury came back with a verdict. However, he REFUSED this lenient plea bargain, several times. After 2 and 1/2 hours they came back with there verdict.

The Jury's verdict was...
-Count 1: Rape...GUILTY
-Count 2: False Imprisonment...NOT GUILTY
-Count 3: Sexual Battery...GUILTY

The Jury convicted on 2 of the 3 charges. They convicted on Rape, which is a really hard case to prove. I was so relieved to hear that my year of hard work, being called a liar, and having people look down on me, had finally paid off. I cried my eyes out and Thanked God for everything. The Judge then sent the Jury out so she could decide on a sentence. She took a 15 minute break and then returned with her decision.His punishment was:
-25 years in Prison...NO Parole-12 months concurrent sentence for Sexual Battery
-Life on Probation.
-Sex Offender Registry
I have been called many names and looked down upon by so many people, but as of now I hold my head high and speak out about my Rape. Maybe bravery will save another girl from being raped by the monster that has put me through so much. I now realize why so many men and women do not speak out about their rape and/or other sexual crimes. Maybe my story can help someone else through their sexual crime experience.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Abuse
• and
• Assault
• Awarenesshelp
• counsiling
• Joni
• OneTrueMedia
• Poole
• Rape

[AmbroseAmdis1]

aahi am really bored anyone wanna play and have fun

[MeggieMeggs]

I am so sorry this happened to you but so proud of you for doing what you did to protect yourself and others. I have a story too... if you would like to see it there's a video on my channel called "Once Upon A Time: The Video" - You are welcome to use it and/or any content from my blog in your efforts to raise awareness! God bless you, you brave young woman!!!

[Xxthinkpink123xX]

you shouldn't of had to go trough that x i feel for you x

[MarieWaldrep]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[la1880]

Poor Joni

Wishing Joni and all sufferers all the best and stand up for justice!

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