Mistrial declared in ex-WRKO jock’s child rape case

Mistrial declared in ex-WRKO jock’s child rape case

By Jessica Heslam  |   Thursday, March 24, 2011  |  http://www.bostonherald.com  |  Media & Marketing

A New York City judge declared a mistrial today in the child rape trial against ex-WRKO radio host Reese Hopkins because the jury remained deadlocked, according to a spokeswoman for the Manhattan district attorney.

The jury had been deliberating since Tuesday. Judge Daniel Conviser declared the mistrial and a bail hearing has been set for this afternoon.

Hopkins, who has been held on $100,000 cash or $300,000 bond, had faced up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors say Hopkins molested a pair of 11 year old girls — and forcibly raped one of them — in his Manhattan apartment in 2004. Hopkins could be set free today at his bail hearing.

Hopkins, who has insisted he’s innocent, has been behind bars awaiting trial since his October 2008 arrest, which came days after WRKO-AM (680) sacked the mid-morning host during a round of budget cuts.

Hopkins has maintained his innocence. He is charged with two counts of rape in the first degree, two counts of sexual abuse in the second degree and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/business/media/view.bg?articleid=1325817