Press Release  Merrimac Man Accused of Rape Ordered Held Without Bail

Merrimac, MA — The Merrimac man accused of raping a 74-year old woman has been found dangerous and ordered held without bail.

Judge Peter Doyle made the finding this afternoon following a dangerousness hearing in Newburyport District Court.  The case is scheduled for a status hearing via zoom on August 19, 2021 at 10:30 am.

On July 20^th, William S. Raia, 50, pleaded not guilty to 4 counts of Aggravated Rape, Kidnapping, Home Invasion, Strangulation and Assault & Battery causing Bodily Injury on an elderly person. The Commonwealth alleges that on July 3^rd, the defendant, who lives within walking distance of the victim, slit a screen and went into her house through a window.  He physically and sexually assaulted her for several hours until she was able to flee to a neighbor’s house and call police.

The defendant is represented by Attorney Brett Levy and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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