Sick Judge, Sick D.A., Sick Jury Won't Listen to False Accuser's Recant

Chuck H writes "Woman recants story of being sexually assaulted by her boyfriend. Now the court runs with the ball of false witness. Sounds like Bell County Texas all over again. I can't believe it's happening in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. I am ashamed to live here!"

Ed. note: Since the Leader-Telegram has a particularly thorough (ie, annoying) registration process, the story is posted in its entirety under "Read more..."6/27/2006 12:24:38 PM

Despite plea from girlfriend, man sent to prison for attack

Alyssa Waters

Chippewa Falls News Bureau

CHIPPEWA FALLS — A Stanley man will spend six years in prison for sexually assaulting his girlfriend, even though she says it never happened.

Donald J. Lewallen, 26, of 238 Dewey St. was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault and one count of battery during a jury trial in Chippewa County Court in April. He was sentenced Monday.

Lewallen’s girlfriend, Amanda McNamara, initially called police in January after being beaten by Lewallen. During the police interview, she said Lewallen had slapped her in the face, pulled her hair, slammed her face into a concrete floor and then sexually assaulted her.

Several days later McNamara recanted her story, saying it was consensual sex.

Even though McNamara told the jury she lied to investigators, jurors found Lewallen guilty.

At the sentence hearing, McNamara said all she’s ever wanted is for someone to believe her now.

“Coming forward with the truth is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” McNamara said. “(Lewallen) is not guilty of rape and shouldn’t have to pay for something he didn’t do.”

Assistant District Attorney Wade Newell asked Chippewa County Judge Roderick Cameron to sentence Lewallen to 20 years in prison because of the nature of the crime.

“This is something where his violent behavior has escalated over the years,” Newell said. “This was a very violent sexual assault. She was made to do reprehensible things.”

Lewallen has a criminal record that includes operating vehicles while intoxicated and disorderly conduct.

After hearing McNamara’s final plea to save Lewallen from prison, Cameron decided that prison time was necessary.

“At this time in his life, (Lewallen) is not able to control his alcoholism,” Cameron said. “This sentence will let others know regardless of how the victim feels, (the perpetrator) will serve a lengthy sentence.”

In conjunction with prison time, Lewallen was sentenced to five years of extended supervision and nine months in jail concurrent with his sentence.

Waters can be reached at 723-0303 or alyssa.waters-at-ecpc.com.

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