A 17 -year former Police Officer, Jeff Pelo is found guilty by a jury in Illinois. He was convicted in the rapes of four women. Allegations going back from 2002. Prosecutors indicate that Pelo was careful not to leave behind evidence like semen, hair, or fingerprints.
The case was based on circumstantial evidence and witnesses who could place then ,Officer Jeff Pelo at each crime scene.
The rape of these women and the guilty verdict goes beyond victims having their day in court. For each rape victim "justice" is a dirty word. They must live with the permanent scars of their rapes, every waking hour of their lives. As do all rape victims. Until the day they die.
A trusted, appointed, lawman. Sworn to serve and protect. For these women the word rape has additional meaning betrayal. From the very system who failed to protect these women from men such as Jeff Pelo. The word rape also stands for:
Repeated- Assault- Police- Entry
In court a familiar song of sorts played out. And at one point during the trial Pelo's wife had an outburst in the courtroom "You've got the wrong man", she shouted.
The "Blue Blemish" is a reflection in a mirror into a system, that cracked long ago.
Tribune story-http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-ap-il-officer-rapecharg,0,5300741.story
http://movingoutmovingon.bloghi.com/2006/07/16/college-town-police-sgt-charged-with-four-rapes.html
