Prosecutors to use DNA evidence in Parkside rape case

The young man charged in the rape of a fellow student at Parkside High School in May is set to go to trial on Monday.

Jocori Scarborough, 18, of Delmar is charged with second-degree rape, false imprisonment, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, disturbing school operations and possession of a regulated firearm under age 21.

The state has provided notice that it plans to use DNA evidence, according to court documents. Among the other items listed in the case file include the handgun recovered as a result of the search warrant, fingerprint evidence, results of sexual assault and suspect kits, Scarborough's clothing, contents of Scarborough's Facebook and video surveillance.

The trial is set to begin at 9 a.m. Monday and continue into Tuesday in Wicomico County Circuit Court. The trial remains in Wicomico County despite a defense motion in late August to move the case to a different jurisdiction because of the extent of media publicity in the case. Judge Leah Jane Seaton decided the jury selection process should be enough to ensure Scarborough receives a fair trial.

Among the people listed as state's witnesses in the case file are the victim, numerous law enforcement officers and people from Peninsula Regional Medical Center. The Daily Times does not name victims of sex crimes.

Defense attorney Eddie Gonzalez said Friday he and Scarborough haven't made the decision as to whether Scarborough will testify; that decision is normally made at the time of the trial.

If Scarborough elected not to testify, jurors would not legally be able to hold that against him.

Scarborough continues to maintain his innocence, Gonzalez said.

Wicomico County State's Attorney Matt Maciarello said Friday he is not ethically permitted to participate in pretrial publicity.

Charging documents in the case say a 15-year-old victim told a detective Scarborough raped her in a hallway at Parkside High School at about 8 a.m. May 5.

As for the gun charge Scarborough faces, another set of charging documents alleges that a loaded handgun was found as the result of a search warrant on May 6 in Scarborough's bedroom.

vjunkin@dmg.gannett.com

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