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October 27, 2006

Lynch sexual assault case headed to jury

PROVIDENCE --The case of a former East Providence City Councilman accused of sexually assaulting a boy who worked in his flower shop is expected to go to the jury today after the judge instructs jurors on the law.

Judge Edward C. Clifton is expected to tell jurors that they can find 62-year-old Gerald R. Lynch guilty of sexual assault only if they determine that force or coercion was used in the sexual encounters, which the prosecution says took place between 1982 and 1985 at Blease Florists and Greenhouses on Newport Avenue in Pawtucket.

Lynch owned the store at the time and employed the alleged victim, a boy from his council district in East Providence who was in his early teens.

In closing statements this morning, lawyers for the defense and prosecution painted starkly different scenarios of the sexual encounters that took place between the alleged victim and Lynch.

Special Assistant Attorney General Maureen Keough reminded jurors of testimony that Lynch grabbed and held the victim forcefully whenever he performed oral sex.

Defense lawyer Lise J. Gescheidt said that Lynch himself insisted the sex was consensual and that any sexual acivity that took place was after the alleged victim was over 16.

The alleged victim, now a 37-year-old man, testified for three days, providing most of the incriminating evidence in the case.

Keough and Gescheidt disagreed vehemently his credibility as a witness.

``I suggest to you that (the alleged victim) is not a reliable witness,’’ Gescheidt said. ``He has been smoking marijuana regularly and frequently for half his entire life.’’

Keough urged jurors to focus on the witness’ demeanor, pointing out that he had described what had happened to him in a way that was dispassionate and matter-of-fact.

``There was nothing about his testimony that was rehearsed. He was honest. He was candid. He was forthcoming,’’ Keough said.

``He talked about things that he had kept from his entire family for 20 years.’’

-- John Castellucci, Journal Staff Writer

Posted by Peter Phipps  at 1:43 PM | Permalink

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