Dismissal of Chesco convictions to get Pa. review

January 25, 2012

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to review an appellate court ruling that overturned the convictions of three men accused of sexually assaulting a West Chester University student nearly three years ago.

In a decision issued a week ago, the high court granted an appeal by the Chester County District Attorney's Office of a May Superior Court ruling that surprised the legal community because it took the unusual step of concluding that the case's evidence did not support the convictions of Jason S. Claybrook, 22, of Willow Grove, and Rashid Lewis, 23, and Jamel K. Clay, 22, both of Philadelphia. Typically, appeals courts focus on points of law.

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Deputy District Attorney Nicholas J. Casenta Jr. said Tuesday that the District Attorney's Office was pleased that the high court decided to hear the case. He said he did not know when argument would be scheduled. The three codefendants had served more than the minimum of their two- to four-year sentences when they were released on bail in June. - Kathleen Brady Shea

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