Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 24, 1994 TAG: 9409270026
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LAURENCE HAMMACK
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Roger Lee Banks, 34, pleaded no contest to a charge of aggravated sexual battery, according to Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Greg Phillips.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison under an agreement reached in Roanoke Circuit Court.
The 18-year-old has told authorities that she met the men at a Campbell Avenue restaurant about 2 p.m. Feb. 24.
She first told police she was raped by the two men a short time later in an alley, but later said it happened in a house in the Old Southwest area of Roanoke.
"Her story changed several times," Assistant Public Defender William Fitzpatrick said.
Banks had been scheduled to go on trial next week and could have faced up to two life terms in prison. Phillips said the agreement saves the victim from having to testify.
"It's not that I don't believe her, but it would have been very difficult for her," he said.
Charges against the second man are pending.
by CNB