Essex County District Attorney's Office: Press Release Merrimac Man Accused Of Rape Ordered Held Without Bail

Press release from the Essex County District Attorney's Office:

7/23/2021

Merrimac, MA — The Merrimac man accused of raping a 74-year old woman has been found dangerous and ordered held without bail.

Judge Peter Doyle made the finding this afternoon following a dangerousness hearing in Newburyport District Court.  The case is scheduled for a status hearing via zoom on August 19, 2021 at 10:30 am. On July 20th, William S. Raia, 50, pleaded not guilty to 4 counts of Aggravated Rape, Kidnapping, Home Invasion, Strangulation and Assault & Battery causing Bodily Injury on an elderly person. The Commonwealth alleges that on July 3rd, the defendant, who lives within walking distance of the victim, slit a screen and went into her house through a window.  He physically and sexually assaulted her for several hours until she was able to flee to a neighbor’s house and call police. The defendant is represented by Attorney Brett Levy and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This press release was produced by the Essex County District Attorney's Office. The views expressed here are the author’s own.