Jury Says Beecham Guilty Of All Charges
By: Ken Curtis
Updated: June 17, 2012
A Houston County jury Friday found a man guilty on four charges in connection with the sexual attack on a Dothan woman which occurred six years ago. Mark Anthony Beecham, 25, was convicted on two counts of rape and one each of sodomy and burglary. The jury deliberated about three hours before reaching the verdicts.
"I'm happy," said Assistant District Attorney Sam Clenney. "I think the victim's testimony was credible and the jury believed her." Both Clenney and defense attorney Thomas K. Brantley requested a pre-sentence investigation.
Beecham is already serving a prison term for the rape and kidnapping of a college coed in Tallahassee. The jury, following a ruling from Circuit Judge Kevin Moulton, was allowed to hear about the Florida rape case. "I think that doomed us," said Brantley. He believes, had the jury not been told of the conviction, his client would have been found not guilty.
Beecham is also charged with the sexual attack of a third woman and should face another trial this summer. After those proceedings, he will return to Florida and continue serving his sentence. He can, additionally, be ordered to serve up to 99 years for this week's convictions in Dothan.
Read about claims Beecham traded drugs for sex.
Read about woman booted from jury after admitting she lied about being raped
