MARYLAND — A rapist is heading to prison after Assistant State’s Attorney Michele Lambert sealed a conviction for second degree rape against Christ Bessimo, he faces 20 years in prison.
“The victim in this case showed extreme bravery,” said Lambert. “It was clear that this experience was severely traumatic, yet she still testified and shared with the jury the events of that night.”
On January 13, 2015, at 400 Cathedral Street, the female victim, who is homeless, was sleeping at a bus station, when the defendant started staring at the victim and her friends. After being asked by the victim why he was staring, the defendant punched the victim in the face, climbed on top of her and sexually assaulted her as her friends yelled for help.
A passerby heard the commotion and ran over to help. He grabbed the defendant off the victim and held him down until Baltimore Police arrived.
“I want to commend this brave citizen who stepped in to help this defenseless woman,” said State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. “Our homeless population is extremely vulnerable to crime and we will do all we can to ensure that they too receive the justice they deserve.”
He will be sentenced on June 22, 2016.
