Judge Orders Oakland Rape Suspect Back to Jail After Health Turnaround

UPDATE: A shocking turn of events in Oakland as Judge David Pereda has ordered the return of Lester Lewis, a 76-year-old rape suspect, back to jail after his health unexpectedly improved. This urgent development came on October 27, 2023, after prosecutors argued that Lewis poses a dangerous threat to the public.

Lewis was initially released to a hospital due to severe health issues, with the prosecution believing he was nearing death. However, just six months later, Lewis not only survived but has shown a significant recovery, prompting the judge to reverse his earlier decision. “Mr. Lewis’ health has dramatically improved,” Pereda stated, highlighting the risk he poses given the serious nature of the charges against him.

The allegations against Lewis are chilling. He is accused of brutally assaulting a woman, who was reportedly dying from a drug overdose, in his apartment on the 1300 block of 81st Avenue in Oakland. Prosecutors allege that Lewis filmed himself assaulting the woman, dragging her lifeless body to a stairwell, and later concocting a false story to police about finding her dead.

Originally, Lewis was released after his attorney, Deputy Public Defender George Arroyo, informed the court that Lewis was likely in his “last moments.” The prosecution, led by Deputy District Attorney Olivia Suraci, agreed to the release based on this information. However, in a stark reversal, Suraci has now expressed that had she known Lewis would recover, she would have objected to his release.

“Had I known the defendant would be healthy enough to be discharged from the hospital few months later, I would have objected,” Suraci stated in a declaration.

Lewis has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, which include allegations of filming the assault and confirming the woman’s death through brutal means. The emotional weight of these accusations adds to the urgency of his case as it is set to proceed to a preliminary hearing scheduled for next week.

With this latest ruling, the public is left grappling with the implications of a suspect’s release based on medical prognosis, only for him to defy expectations. The judge’s decision underscores the complexities and potential pitfalls in the legal process surrounding severe criminal allegations.

As the legal proceedings unfold, this case continues to raise serious questions about justice, accountability, and the impact on victims and their families. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.