Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, August 6, 1993                   TAG: 9308060151
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Lon Wagner
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

30-YEAR TERM GIVEN FOR RAPE OF WOMAN, 90

Cliff Herbert Simmons, 44, was found guilty last month of raping the woman in November. Simmons knew the woman because his girlfriend sometimes worked as her caretaker.

Franklin County prosecutor Cliff Hapgood said Thursday that Simmons' history of violent sex crimes was likely responsible for the 30-year sentence. Judge B.A. Davis III could have sentenced Simmons to anywhere from five years to life in prison.

Simmons has a previous rape conviction. He was charged with rape two other times - once he was found not guilty, and the other time the charge was reduced to assault and battery.

"He's a danger," Hapgood said. "This lady's whole life and freedom have been taken away from her by a guy who shows dirty movies, then rapes."

The victim testified last month that Simmons made her watch a pornographic movie before he forced her to have sex.

Simmons said he will appeal the conviction.