Boston, MA – A former prosecutor turned defense attorney, Gary Zerola, faced a court ruling that revoked his bail after a jury convicted him of rape. On Monday, Zerola appeared in court in handcuffs, facing serious charges stemming from an alleged assault in 2020. The courtroom was packed with spectators as details of the case were discussed.
Assistant District Attorney Ian Polumbaum recounted the disturbing events to the room. He explained that the assault occurred when the victim, who had been out partying with Zerola and another friend, awoke to find him raping her. The aftermath of the assault saw her immediately reaching out to a friend via FaceTime, distraught and seeking help while Zerola was still present, falsely asserting she had invited him back to her apartment.
Before turning to defense, Zerola worked as a prosecutor in Essex County for a year. His career since then has been marred by numerous allegations, with nearly a dozen women accusing him of similar instances of assault dating back to 1996, according to court documents. Despite these significant allegations, Zerola has seen varied outcomes in court. He was acquitted in a 2008 trial for rape and attempted rape and had other charges dropped or dismissed due to statutes of limitations in several cases involving allegations from the 1990s onward.
In a 2016 incident, Zerola faced accusations from a 23-year-old woman who claimed he raped her after an evening in Boston’s North End. Although acquitted, the charges kept mounting, painting a troubling picture of the former legal professional’s pattern of behavior.
The 2020 incident that led to his recent conviction began with a night that ended tragically. After attending a private party where Zerola allegedly paid a $2,000 bar tab, the woman felt ill and vomited. Zerola and the woman’s friend helped her back to her apartment. Despite her incapacitated state, prosecutors described how Zerola attempted to stay the night, only being stopped from further actions by the victim’s friend. Later, the friend left in an Uber, and Zerola unlawfully returned to the victim’s apartment alone.
The woman’s traumatic experience culminated when she awoke in the early hours to Zerola assaulting her. Her immediate reaction was to scream and demand he leave, which he eventually did. She then sought help and underwent a sexual assault examination at a hospital.
The trial’s outcome has sparked conversations about power dynamics and accountability, particularly concerning individuals with legal influence and knowledge. Legal analysts point out that Zerola’s previous roles within the justice system could have influenced the handling of earlier allegations, allowing him a breadth of knowledge on navigating the legal loopholes.
With his bail revoked, Zerola now awaits sentencing. This case stands not only as a personal tragedy for the victim but also as a disturbing illustration of how systems of power and trust can be exploited. The legal community and public alike are left to ponder the complexities of justice, especially when it involves one of their own. The broader implications of such cases challenge the justice system to uphold integrity and rigorous scrutiny, regardless of an individual’s knowledge or position.