Magistrate who released rape suspect put on leave
CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — A Charlotte magistrate who allowed a rape suspect to go free has been placed on leave while police search for the man, who they say is extremely dangerous.
The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday that Martin Russell Diamond was arrested and charged May 18 with rape, kidnapping and other crimes in connection with an attack on a Charlotte woman. He was placed on $105,000 secured bond.
Court officials said Magistrate Sylvia Cherry met with Diamond and reviewed the case before changing Diamond’s bond to an unsecured status on May 19. Unsecured bonds do not require money to be posted before the suspect is released. Diamond left the jail that day.
Diamond appeared in court for a May 20 hearing and then disappeared.
Diamond has no criminal record in North Carolina.
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Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotteobserver.com
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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