Ex-Deputy Denies Raping Illegal Immigrant

MARIETTA, Ga. -- A former Cobb County deputy accused of rape took the stand late Tuesday afteoon in his defense.

Former Cobb deputy Jason Bill faces seven counts including rape, kidnapping and assault of a 23-year-old woman. Prosecutors said Bill forced the woman to have sex at gunpoint. He told jurors he did not do it.

”I am not guilty, Bill said at the Cobb County Courthouse.

His alleged victim, an illegal immigrant, was working at a small restaurant near Marietta when she said Bill accused her of stealing his phone. She said he threatened to have her deported and took her to his nearby apartment. She said he handcuffed her and forced her to commit sexual acts at gunpoint.

But the defense told the judge that the victim is actually a prostitute and said Bill paid her for sex before the night of the incident.

”I think what happened on the night of the 14th was another contractual arrangement to go back to the apartment for the purpose of sex, defense attoey Phillip Holloway said.

The defense argued the victim made up her story to get a visa to stay in the country, and filed a civil lawsuit for money.