DNA Test Led To Release Of Philly Rape Suspect

(CBS 3) PHILADELPHIA After spending more than 13 years in jail, Curtis Fulton was released Thursday after DNA evidence cleared him of rape and sexual assault charges of three women in a dark playground in Germantown back in 1991.

He was sentenced in 1994 to 20 to 40 years in prison for the October 1991 attack on the three women, who were robbed and assaulted on their way home from a pizza shop.

Fulton's attorney ran new D.N.A. tests run on the undergarments of one victim, which prompted the judge to call for a new trial.

Assistant District Attorney Gina Smith said, in efforts to avoid a fourth trial for victims, they offered Fulton a plea agreement where he would enter a plea of 'No Contest' to robbery and indecent assault charges.

Fulton was released after serving 13 years, seven months, and 17 days in exchange for the no-contest plea.

"He pled 'no contest,' which is not an admission of guilt, so he could secure his freedom. He maintains his innocence today as he has for the last 13 and a half years," said Fulton's attorney, Leonard Susnov.

But the District Attorney's office believes they convicted the right man.

"We were sure we had the right person 13-years ago and by pleading 'no contest,' the defendant did not contest the facts and was convicted again yesterday (Thursday) of robbery and indecent assault," said Assistant District Attorney Gina Smith

Fulton said, “I’m just happy of the outcome, happy to be home, going home to my family. The whole situation—I’ve been innocent of this whole situation.”