staff reports
LAKEPORT — Louis “Tiny” Edwards was sentenced Friday to eight years in prison for the forcible rape of a teen.
Edwards, 23, was sentenced to the upper prison term for the forcible rape of a 15-year-old girl in Lake County. Judge Richard Martin, who had presided over the jury trial, imposed the maximum prison sentence after he denied the defendant”s motion for a new trial.
Sept. 13, a Lake County jury unanimously found Louis Edwards guilty of forcible rape, in violation of California Penal Code section 261(a)(2). The victim testified that Edwards raped her at the El Grande Motel, in Clearlake, on the night of April 12, or the early morning hours of April 13. The teenage victim testified she had gone to the El Grande with others to have a party. According to the juvenile victim, she became intoxicated and Edwards, known to his friends as “Tiny,” raped her while she was vomiting in the motel bathroom.
At the time of the sexual assault, the victim did not know “Tiny”s” true name. The victim, however, was able to provide police with a description of her assailant, including a description of his tattoo.
On April 26, Sgt. Michael Hermann of the Clearlake Police Department arrested Edwards after piecing together his identity.
The jury trial began with jury selection on Aug. 31. After the presentation of evidence, the jury deliberated for approximately a day and a half before reaching their unanimous decision on Sept. 13.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney John R. DeChaine. Thomas Quinn acted as trial counsel for Mr. Edwards. J. David Markham assumed representation of Mr. Edwards for purposes of the unsuccessful motion for a new trial and for sentencing.
When Mr. Edwards is released from prison, he will be required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Penal Code section 290 for the remainder of his life.
