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Former Massachusetts lawyer convicted of raping woman faces sentencing in Boston court – Boston 25 News

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BOSTON — A once-prominent Boston lawyer who was once named one of People magazine’s 50 eligible bachelors will be sentenced Monday after being found guilty last month of raping a woman.

Gary Zerola, 52, who had previously been acquitted of other rape charges, was found guilty on June 26 of raping a woman after paying for a night of drinking, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden said.

Zerola will be sentenced in Suffolk Supreme Court. He was convicted of rape in connection with an incident in 2021, although he was acquitted of the more serious charges of rape and burglary, according to Hayden.

In January 2021, prosecutors alleged that Zerola paid for a night of drinking with a woman he was dating and the woman’s 21-year-old friend.

Gary Zerola Boston police have arrested Gary Zerola for rape and burglary. (Boston Police)

When the friend was drunk and needed help returning to her Beacon Hill apartment, Zerola entered the apartment without permission and began having sexual intercourse with the friend while she was sleeping, prosecutors said.

“These cases are always difficult, and this victim deserves tremendous credit for taking the stand and telling the jury what happened to her that night. I thank the jury for considering all of the information presented to them and reaching a just verdict,” Hayden said in a statement.

Zerola previously worked as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney in Suffolk and Essex counties and was once named one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors.

In June 2023, Zerola was found not guilty on two counts of rape. He was accused of raping a 23-year-old woman with whom he spent the night in November 2016.

Judge Mary Ames revoked Zerola’s bail and ordered him detained pending sentencing on Monday.

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Rape victim testifies: Trial against former Boston prosecutor and defense attorney begins

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