Teen on trial for alleged rape
A Waldorf teenager is on trial this week in Charles County Circuit Court, accused of raping a 20-year-old woman in December.
The victim told police that Travonne Lamont Johnson, 17, allegedly pinned her on the ground and raped her before she was able to run out of a house to safety.
On Dec. 3 around 1 p.m., Johnson began texting the victim, telling her to come over, Assistant States Attorney Sarah Freeman told the jurors in opening arguments.
She initially declined the offer, but eventually Johnson convinced her to come after offering to smoke marijuana with her.
The victim arrived at the residence in the 1200 block of Bannister Circle in Waldorf around 1:30 p.m. and was led into a bedroom by Johnson before he went upstairs, telling her that he was retrieving the marijuana, according to proceedings.
When Johnson returned to the room, he was naked, Freeman said. The victim told Johnson that she did not want to have sex with him, but when she tried to leave, Johnson allegedly tripped her, pinned her down, and forced himself upon her. The belt on her jeans was broken in the struggle, Freeman pointed out.
At first opportunity, the victim ran from the house and went home, where she told her sister and friend about the incident before calling police, Freeman said.
She met with Det. K. Klezia later that day and allegedly identified Johnson.
Detectives retrieved a DNA sample from Johnson that same night and the victim had a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination conducted, which later determined Johnson’s DNA was present, according to court proceedings.
Assistant public defender Courtney Dixon argued that the sex was consensual.
“This woman has made a false accusation,” she said.
It’s not a question of whether or not they had sex, Dixon said, “the question is, why did they have sex?”
“They wanted to,” she continued. “No other reason.”
Dixon said the victim regretted having sex, so she made the allegation against Johnson to “justify her behavior.”
The trial is ongoing as of press time Tuesday.