Rape Victim Lives In Fear After NH Court Mistake
WILTON, NH- A woman who claims she was raped repeatedly by a man she met online says she's now been victimized by the court system.
"Rebekah" says her life was turned upside down when court documents given to the defendant included her home address.
"I am living in fear every day," she says.
Joseph Martell of Wilton, NH has been charged with multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault. According to Rebekah he invited to her house for a barbeque, then held her there against her will and raped her.
When Martell man was arrested, the bail commissioner included Rebekah's home address on a document that outlines his bail conditions. Martell was given a copy of the document.
"I don't know what he has told friends, co-workers, I don't know if there's someone who could be after me. I don't know," Rebekah says.
WBZ-TV brought the issue to Hillsborough County Attorney Dennis Hogan.
"I said oops or oh no because we don't want to do that," he said when told about Rebekah's situation.
He says he's never seen the court include that information in bail documents.
"They know that there's a potential danger to the person. That's why the police were called in the first place. I'm sure they'd consider this a mistake," Hogan said.
The court system did not provide an explanation when contacted by WBZ about the Martell case, except to say there's nothing that prohibits releasing that information.
Rebekah's been by prosecutors she should find a new apartment. They have offered some financial assistance, but she's been unable to get a lease because she is out of work.
Meanwhile, Martell's bail was reduced and he is out of jail. He's not supposed to go near Rebekah. She doesn't know if he'll abide by those rules.
"I don't know anything about him and I don't have anywhere safe to be even right now," she said tearfully.
Martell denies the charges against him. His attorney, Ed Cross, has raised questions about the details of Rebekah's claims.
Cross says Rebekah has nothing to fear from Martell. He is aware of his bail conditions and will follow them.
