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Ex-deputy to plead guilty in rape case, lawyer says

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 21, 2009

TAMPA - A former Hillsborough County deputy accused of forcing a hit-and-run suspect to perform a sex act on him will spend five years in prison and then serve probation as part of a plea deal, his lawyer said today.

Raymond Choy, 37, could have faced up to 60 years behind bars if convicted of sexual battery and kidnapping. He is scheduled to plead guilty Dec. 10 to sexual battery and a lesser charge of false imprisonment, defense attorney Norman Cannella said.

"I, as his lawyer, believe [the deal is] a victory in view of the facts and circumstances surrounding the charges," Cannella said.

Assistant State Attorney Pam Bondi said she couldn't comment on the pending case.

Authorities say Choy was investigating a hit-and-run when the assault happened in April 2007. He ran the license plate of the car that drove away and went to the owner's home, where he took a woman into custody.

She told investigators that Choy took her to the accident scene and then drove to orange groves in Thonotosassa, telling her she wouldn't be arrested if she cooperated.

She immediately called the sheriff's office after Choy took her back home.

Choy, a seven-year veteran, was placed on paid administrative leave and later resigned.

A day after his arrest, a second woman filed a similar complaint, saying Choy forced her to perform a sex act in November 2006.

Choy hasn't been charged in that incident. However, a judge ruled in July that prosecutors could present the second woman's testimony at Choy's trial in the April 2007 incident.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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