Homeless man can be tried for Orland Park rape
By Lauren Fitzpatrick Sun-Times Media January 26, 2012 5:42PM
Dodson
Updated: February 28, 2012 8:20AM
A homeless man accused of raping an elderly Orland Park woman is mentally fit to stand trial, a Cook County judge ruled Thursday.
Dennis Dodson, 35, who is charged with attacking the woman in September behind the Home Depot store in Orland Park, was evaluated at his attorney’s request and was found capable of understanding his rights, Circuit Court Judge John Hynes said. He found that Dodson is able to be tried at the Cook County courthouse in Bridgeview.
Assistant Public Defender Camille Bachli said she would be seeking a second opinion on Dodson’s mental fitness.
The victim, who was 83 when she was assaulted, felt bad for Dodson and was trying to help him, she said during a preliminary hearing in October.
She took him money and food from her nearby home, and when she asked Dodson if she could call the police to have them check on him, he became upset and sexually assaulted her, she testified.
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