Boston Man Found Guilty in Arlington Rape Case

ARLINGTON, MA - A man arrested in June has been found guilty on a number of charges, including rape.

On June 1, police were responding to a welfare check when they encountered Essie Billingslea, 46, with a woman who appeared injured and in distress. Billingslea attempted to flee the home when police apprehended him nearby.

The jury has entered its verdict Friday, and it found Billingslea guilty of kidnapping, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault in a dwelling, home invasion, breaking and entering and three counts of aggravated rape.

“The defendant in this case was found guilty of numerous charges in connection with the brutal assault of the victim by a stranger in her own home,” said Middlesex District Attorney Ryan in a press release. “Home is the place where people should feel safest and this victim suffered the loss of that security.”

During the investigation, officials discovered that Billingslea has broken into the woman’s home and had sexually assaulter her.

“I greatly appreciate the efforts of our Arlington Police Detectives and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office,” said Police Chief Frederick Ryan. “This was a terrible crime that shook our community.”

Assistant District Attorney Kate Kleimola and Assistant District Attorney Jessica Langsam were the prosecutors assigned to the case.