Albert Wilson, former Univ. of Kansas Student convicted of rape, gets new trial

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A Kansas judge has ordered a new trial for 25-year-old Albert Wilson, a former University of Kansas student convicted of rape.

Albert Wilson gets a new trial

Wilson, now 24, was 20 years old when he was accused of raping a then 17-year-old girl he met at a bar in 2016.

Wilson and the alleged victim met at a campus bar in Lawrence, Kansas, though both were underage. Wilson says he was unaware the young woman was 17.

Witnesses say they saw them kissing in the bar then they left together for Wilson’s place. There, she alleged he forcibly raped her and afterward walked her back to the bar.

The girl claims the couple had sex despite forensic evidence that found no semen in her vagina, though that does not always mean a rape didn’t occur, prosecutors argued in the first trial.

The teen went to the hospital to report the rape the next day. During the trial, Wilson claimed he was innocent and said they never had sex, but was ultimately convicted.

Wilson was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison on April 3, 2019.

Case drew national attention

Wilson’s case drew national attention, including from some celebrities.

Many of Wilson’s supporters believe his conviction was unfair due to lack of physical evidence and an all-white and mostly female jury.

Wilson had sought a new trial on the basis that his court-appointed trial attorney provided ineffective assistance of counsel.

Judge Sally Pokorny agreed in her ruling Tuesday.

The judge also noted thousands of text messages omitted as evidence in the trial that could have influenced the jury’s decision.

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez released this statement:

“This morning, the Honorable Sally D. Pokorny, District Judge, issued her ruling in State of Kansas v. Albert N. Wilson. In short, Judge Pokorny ruled that during the trial proceedings in this matter, Mr. Wilson was denied his right to effective assistance of counsel. As a result, Mr. Wilson is entitled to a new trial.

Wilson’s attorneys said they’re optimistic about a fresh start at proving their client’s innocence.