Criminal Justice

Rape Charges Dropped Against Boston Lawyer

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Miami prosecutors have dropped rape charges against a Boston lawyer because of credibility problems with his accuser.

The lawyer, Gary Zerola, was named one of People magazine’s most eligible bachelors in 2001. Prosecutors dropped charges after DNA tests were negative and the accuser gave various versions of events to investigators, the Associated Press reports.

The 18-year-old woman had claimed Zerola forced her to take drugs and drink an unknown liquid before raping her. She later said she lied because she was afraid her parents would find out she was partying, the Miami Herald reports.

Zerola was acquitted of charges of rape and attempted rape in two other cases earlier this year. He met all three women in bars, the Boston Herald reports.

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