Former Boston prosecutor Gary Zerola sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for rape

BOSTON – Former Boston district attorney Gary Zerola, once named one of People magazine’s most eligible bachelors, is headed to prison. He was sentenced Monday to five to 10 years in prison after being convicted of rape. Last month.

Zerola, 52, was found guilty of raping a 21-year-old woman after a night of drinking. 2020Prosecutors say he helped the woman get home, but returned uninvited hours later and attacked her in her sleep.

A Suffolk Superior Court jury convicted Zerola of rape on June 26, but acquitted him of two other charges: aggravated rape and burglary. The judge revoked his bail pending his sentencing in Boston on Monday.

Zerola worked for two months as an assistant district attorney for Suffolk County. He was named one of the People’s Award’s most eligible bachelors in 2001. He has a history of rape allegations from 1996. He was acquitted of all, until last month.

“Extreme feeling of paranoia”

Prosecutors said it was too difficult for the woman to appear in court on Monday, but she testified during the trial and sent the judge a letter that was read out at the verdict.

“Ever since he committed this crime, I have suffered from extreme paranoia,” the victim wrote. “Every time I am in my apartment, my door is locked and I live in constant fear that someone will come in without my permission and hurt me again.”

The judge made clear that Monday’s ruling was based only on Zerola’s conviction. The five to 10 years in prison was more than the defense’s recommended sentence, but far less than the 20-year maximum in Massachusetts.

“I thought it was within the guidelines. Whether it’s fair or not is for someone else to decide. Two to three is what I thought was fair,” Zerola’s attorney Joseph Krowski told reporters.

“I want to commend the survivor in this case for her courage and resilience and her willingness to come forward,” said District Attorney Kevin Hayden.

“We are relieved and grateful that the jury confirmed the fate of the survivors in this case,” said Assistant District Attorney Ian Polumbaum.

“Satisfied with the result”

Some who say they know Zerola’s other alleged victims were relieved by the news.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of today’s verdict,” said Shawna Carroll.

“He should have gotten the maximum, which is 20. It’s his first conviction, so we understand that. We think the judge was fair today,” said Erica Barnes.

Krowski said they plan to appeal the decision.