Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 13, 1995 TAG: 9507130020
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SHEBA WHEELER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A jury convicted James Wesley Campbell, 37, of 10 counts, including forcible sodomy, attempted rape, abduction and several statutory burglary and larceny charges.
Roanoke County Circuit Judge Kenneth Trabue said once Campbell is released, he will be on probation for 15 years. However, if Campbell violates his probation, he could be required to serve an additional 15-year sentence.
The victim testified that on Labor Day weekend in 1994, a masked intruder entered her home in the middle of the night, handcuffed her, taped her mouth shut and attempted to rape her. She was a resident of Southwest Roanoke County at the time of the case, though she has since moved to Richmond. A jury decided that it was Campbell who assaulted the woman, and recommended that he receive 134 years in prison.
"My concern was that Mr. Campbell should be off the street for a considerable amount of time, and the court has made that possible," said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Susan Cohen.
Campbell's attorney, Lance Hale, said at an earlier court appearance that he intended to appeal. Hale said he noticed several jurors dozing off during the testimony, so he will argue that Campbell did not receive a fair trial, based on juror misconduct.
"Mr. Campbell and his family were hurt and feel a great deal of anxiety over the conviction and length of the sentence," Hale said. "They believe that by evidence presented in court of an alibi for James Campbell, he did not do these acts."
Because the crime was committed before the "no-parole" law went into effect Jan. 1, Campbell could be eligible for parole in 12 years.
by CNB