Should Alleged Rape Victim Be Jailed for Missing Court Dates?

A 17-year-old witness is being held at for missing two court dates where prosecutors hoped she would testify against an accused rapist, according to The Sacramento Bee.

"Twice, the girl failed to appear in court to testify against defendant Frank William Rackley Sr., 37, a man the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office believes is a serial rapist," the Bee wrote.

Prosecutors say she was abducted and raped near the Del Paso Boulevard light rail station in July, according to the Bee.

Now, she's being detained and held until the trial, which is now scheduled for April 23–even though she can't be forced to testify.

The girl's lawyer requested she be released with a GPS tracking anklet, an idea a judge said he's interested in exploring further. Her lawyer said the girl would not miss another court date, but she's run away from previous foster care at least three times, the Bee reported.

Carmichael, how do you feel about this girl being locked up in the Kiefer Boulevard Youth Detention Facility? Is it fair, since she missed two court dates already? Or does it turn a victim into a criminal? Let us know how you feel by leaving a comment below.

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