This past week, I had the privilege of defending Matthew (I’ll leave the last name out in this article) in Cherokee County Superior Court before Judge Anthony Baker. Matthew had been accused of raping his ex-wife — an allegation that carried life-altering consequences–life in prison!
After a three-day trial, the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty. From the beginning, I knew this case never should have been brought, and the jurors agreed. Several of them told us afterward:
- “The DAs office was wrong. The cops were wrong. She’s a liar.”
- “Matt never should have been arrested.”
- “How can she get away with manipulating the system?”
The State’s Case Fell Apart
The Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office called four witnesses during the trial. I cross-examined each one, and by the end, the State’s case had collapsed.
The evidence I presented completely dismantled the credibility of the alleged victim. It became clear that she had used this criminal case as a tool — a way to try and gain full custody of her four children and set herself up to demand higher child support. She manipulated the prosecutors, or they turned a blind eye.
I told the press after the verdict:
“Using a court system to further your personal interests is horrific. The local prosecutor should look into this unethical and likely illegal conduct and decide whether to arrest her.”
The Detective’s Damaging Testimony
What shocked me most during the trial was the testimony of the lead detective from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Under oath, he admitted that he possessed exculpatory evidence — evidence favorable to Matthew — but never turned it over! The favorable evidence was witness testimony (from another cop!) that he heard the alleged victim say she just needed him prosecuted and sentenced so she can collect his portion of the proceeds in the divorce.
He also admitted that there were other witnesses he should have interviewed, and that ethically, he was obligated to do so. Instead, he told the alleged victim not to speak with anyone else, closed his file, and walked away. This cop didn’t want to know the truth, and certainly didn’t want to re-investigate his case. He didn’t think anyone would find out. Boy was he wrong!
When I pressed him on why he failed to follow through, his answer was stunning:
“I have too many cases. I moved on.”
That moment highlighted what I had been saying all along: this was a gross miscarriage of justice. I reminded the jury, “We rely on investigators not only to make cases, but also to find the truth. That is their job. When they don’t do their job, innocent people suffer.”
Why This Verdict Matters
Matthew has finally been cleared of these false accusations, but the damage is already done. He has endured years of stress and financial strain. No verdict can give him back that time or repair every wound.
This case underscores why I do this work. Our justice system has immense power, but it is not perfect. When accusers manipulate it for personal gain, when investigators cut corners, and when prosecutors press forward without real evidence, innocent people pay the price.
Closing Thoughts
As a criminal defense attorney, I believe deeply in holding the State accountable. Every accusation must be tested. Every piece of evidence must be challenged. Because when the system fails, as it did here, only a vigorous defense can protect the innocent.
Matthew’s case should never have existed. The jury saw through the lies, but the process itself was the punishment. My hope is that this verdict sends a message — both to the community and to the justice system — that we must demand better.
Blog 
Leave a comment