Thomas v. State

George Rose Smith, Justice.

This prosecution for rape has now been in the state and federal courts for more than six years. On November 27,1979, the prosecutrix reported to the police in Monticello, in Drew County, that she had been raped that morning. The police suggested that she and her husband ride around in the vicinity of the washateria where the attack occurred and look for the man. They did so. The next day the prosecutrix recognized the appellant, who was in a yard working on his car.

Thomas was arrested and charged with rape. At first he pleaded not guilty, but then he changed his…