A teenager who testified against her rapist in two trials can move on with her life now that an Austell man has been convicted and sentenced to life in prison, officials say.
Rasheed Murjan Thomas, 32, was first tried on rape and child molestation charges in 2015, but jurors could not reach a verdict after almost a week of deliberations, Cobb County District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Kim Isaza said Friday.
During the first trial, the girl testified that she told Cynthia Thomas, Rasheed Thomas’ wife, about the abuse, but nothing was done, Isaza said.
During the first trial, Cynthia Thomas testified she “checked” the girl and saw no evidence of the abuse, Isaza said. The child later told relatives about the abuse that had been going on about two years. Family members alerted authorities in 2010.
Cynthia Thomas pleaded guilty in April 2015 to one count of cruelty to children and was sentenced to 10 years of probation.
A second trial began Aug. 8 for Rasheed Thomas.
The now 17-year-old told a jury for the second time about the abuse, which started when she was about 10 or 11 years old, Isaza said.
The jury convicted Rasheed Thomas on Wednesday and the judge immediately sentenced him to serve three consecutive life sentences in prison.
Assistant District Attorney Lindsay Gardner, who prosecuted the case during both trials, said she felt relieved the citizens of Cobb County stood up for the young woman after so many years.
“She can finally put this phase of her life behind her and continue moving forward,” Gardner said.
About the Author
