Suspect Pleads Not Guilty In Baton Rouge Rape

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A 41-year-old man accused in the 2009 rape of a college student in Baton Rouge pleaded not guilty and will remain in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison until the case is resolved.

James Harold Crockett Jr. is serving a 35-year prison term in the July 6, 2009, rape of a college student in Hattiesburg, Miss. If convicted in the July 5, 2009, rape in Baton Rouge, he faces an automatic sentence of life in prison.

The Advocate reports (http://bit.ly/Z9rN1Y ) an East Baton Rouge Parish grand jury indicted Crockett, formerly of Chalmette, La., on a charge of aggravated rape last week.

Crockett appeared Monday before state District Judge Bonnie Jackson. The judge appointed the local Public Defender's Office to represent him.

Prosecutors have said Crockett used a stun-gun in both assaults.