Prosecutor pleads not guilty to rape
A sex-crimes prosecutor in California has pleaded not guilty to tying up and raping a colleague while threatening her with an ice pick and a handgun.
Michael Gressett, 51, faces 12 felony charges and adamantly denies the allegations.
His lawyer says Gressett and his accuser had a romantic relationship.
Authorities say the Contra Costa County prosecutor attacked a fellow deputy district attorney at his home in May.
He was arrested last month, and state prosecutors took over the case because of the potential conflict of interest.
Gressett could face life in prison if convicted on all counts.
He is free on $1-million bail and remains on paid leave.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
