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1
00:00:07,474 --> 00:00:08,708
- I'm craig melvin,
2
00:00:08,776 --> 00:00:11,510
And this is "dateline:
Secrets uncovered."
3
00:00:11,512 --> 00:00:13,513
- He has turned my life
upside down.
4
00:00:13,580 --> 00:00:15,514
He took everything
away from me,
5
00:00:15,583 --> 00:00:17,649
Everything that
I sacrificed for,
6
00:00:17,718 --> 00:00:19,051
Everything that
I worked for.
7
00:00:19,119 --> 00:00:20,919
He even took my daughter
away from me.
8
00:00:20,921 --> 00:00:23,455
- Once, they were
so good together.
9
00:00:23,524 --> 00:00:25,457
- How did love turn into
hate like this?
10
00:00:25,526 --> 00:00:27,692
- Before that night
of violence.
11
00:00:27,761 --> 00:00:29,328
- He drags you down
to the basement.
12
00:00:29,330 --> 00:00:30,662
- All the way down.
13
00:00:30,731 --> 00:00:31,930
I'm trying to
fight him off.
14
00:00:31,999 --> 00:00:33,732
I can't breathe.
15
00:00:33,801 --> 00:00:36,868
- Then, a twist
no one expected.
16
00:00:36,937 --> 00:00:40,138
- They've got three witnesses
who identified you in a lineup.
17
00:00:40,207 --> 00:00:41,541
Did you understand that?
- Yeah.
18
00:00:41,608 --> 00:00:42,741
I do understand that.
19
00:00:42,810 --> 00:00:45,077
- The alleged victim,
accused.
20
00:00:45,145 --> 00:00:48,680
- It's just a terrifying,
shocking experience.
21
00:00:48,749 --> 00:00:51,350
- Who did what to whom?
22
00:00:51,352 --> 00:00:54,220
- The evidence showed an evil
and vindictive schemer.
23
00:00:54,288 --> 00:00:56,288
A diabolical conniver.
24
00:00:56,356 --> 00:00:59,224
- A frame up that nearly
fooled everyone.
25
00:00:59,293 --> 00:01:01,960
- This is gonna be hard,
to try and figure all this out.
26
00:01:01,962 --> 00:01:04,964
- You couldn't invent
a worse nightmare.
27
00:01:05,032 --> 00:01:08,167
- A confounding case
of vengeance.
28
00:01:08,235 --> 00:01:16,375
♪♪
29
00:01:16,443 --> 00:01:19,979
- Hello, and welcome to
"dateline: Secrets uncovered."
30
00:01:20,047 --> 00:01:24,249
The saying goes that looks
can be deceiving.
31
00:01:24,318 --> 00:01:26,518
But love can be, too.
32
00:01:26,587 --> 00:01:29,454
The couple you're about to meet
seemed perfect for each other,
33
00:01:29,523 --> 00:01:33,659
At first, but that passion
turned into violence.
34
00:01:33,661 --> 00:01:36,662
It set off a chain of events
that confounded authorities
35
00:01:36,730 --> 00:01:40,533
Until they discovered
a ruthless act of revenge
36
00:01:40,601 --> 00:01:44,669
Rooted in secrets
and lies.
37
00:01:44,738 --> 00:01:47,405
Here's lester holt
with "vengeance."
38
00:01:48,642 --> 00:01:54,679
♪♪
39
00:01:54,748 --> 00:01:57,415
- There are two sides
to every breakup,
40
00:01:57,484 --> 00:02:01,386
And if the end is bitter,
and anger spins out of control,
41
00:02:02,623 --> 00:02:06,159
A once perfect romance
can become a nightmare.
42
00:02:06,226 --> 00:02:08,894
- This story was a crazy case
of he said, she said
43
00:02:08,896 --> 00:02:10,696
With a lot of twists
and turns,
44
00:02:10,764 --> 00:02:12,764
And it explodes
into a story
45
00:02:12,766 --> 00:02:15,101
You couldn't possibly
have imagined.
46
00:02:16,904 --> 00:02:20,038
- Seemona sumasar doesn't
have to imagine it.
47
00:02:20,107 --> 00:02:21,641
She lived it.
48
00:02:21,708 --> 00:02:24,576
- How did I keep my sanity?
How did it happen?
49
00:02:24,645 --> 00:02:26,845
This all happened
to me. Me!
50
00:02:26,914 --> 00:02:29,382
A simple, simple person.
51
00:02:32,119 --> 00:02:34,386
- For seemona
and jerry ramrattan,
52
00:02:34,454 --> 00:02:37,455
It was a romance that started
with so much promise.
53
00:02:37,524 --> 00:02:40,125
She thought he might
be the one.
54
00:02:40,193 --> 00:02:42,460
Describe him.
- Charming.
55
00:02:42,529 --> 00:02:45,798
Sweet talker, confident,
you know.
56
00:02:45,866 --> 00:02:47,465
He could
make things happen.
57
00:02:47,534 --> 00:02:50,001
- The couple lived in
seemona's four family house
58
00:02:50,070 --> 00:02:53,338
In queens, new york in
the shadow of kennedy airport.
59
00:02:53,340 --> 00:02:56,474
Seemona, a 34-year-old immigrant
from guyana,
60
00:02:56,543 --> 00:02:59,477
Worked as an analyst
for morgan stanley.
61
00:02:59,546 --> 00:03:00,746
- I got into
the finance business
62
00:03:00,814 --> 00:03:02,347
At a great time.
- Good money?
63
00:03:02,416 --> 00:03:03,615
- Good money.
64
00:03:03,617 --> 00:03:07,052
- She also owned a golden crust
restaurant franchise.
65
00:03:07,054 --> 00:03:09,488
She'd start her day
working in manhattan
66
00:03:09,490 --> 00:03:12,090
From 5:00 am until
2:00 in the afternoon,
67
00:03:12,159 --> 00:03:15,460
Then she'd commute back
to her restaurant in queens,
68
00:03:15,529 --> 00:03:17,697
Where she'd work late
into the night.
69
00:03:17,764 --> 00:03:20,366
- And you slept when?
- I don't know.
70
00:03:20,434 --> 00:03:23,034
I look back at it,
and I don't know.
71
00:03:23,103 --> 00:03:24,769
A few hours here
and there.
72
00:03:24,838 --> 00:03:27,172
- Not long after
the golden crust opened,
73
00:03:27,241 --> 00:03:29,574
A handsome,
confident man walked in
74
00:03:29,643 --> 00:03:31,176
And introduced himself.
75
00:03:31,245 --> 00:03:33,645
It was jerry,
and he quickly became
76
00:03:33,714 --> 00:03:35,982
One of seemona's
best customers.
77
00:03:36,049 --> 00:03:38,717
- Literally, I would see him
almost every day.
78
00:03:38,785 --> 00:03:41,721
He would stop by,
just casual conversations.
79
00:03:41,788 --> 00:03:45,457
Talk about his work,
him being a detective.
80
00:03:45,526 --> 00:03:49,195
- The 37-year-old jerry said he
had once been a police officer
81
00:03:49,263 --> 00:03:52,131
And still had close ties
to law enforcement.
82
00:03:52,199 --> 00:03:55,734
Now he worked in security,
although his exact job
83
00:03:55,803 --> 00:03:57,469
Was a bit of a mystery.
84
00:03:57,538 --> 00:04:00,472
- He comes along, and literally,
everybody was referring to him
85
00:04:00,540 --> 00:04:02,007
As my bodyguard.
86
00:04:02,075 --> 00:04:04,410
They loved the thought
that he was around.
87
00:04:04,478 --> 00:04:07,679
- Were you an investigator?
- I was a consultant.
88
00:04:07,748 --> 00:04:11,350
I would consult on anything
that-- involving security,
89
00:04:11,418 --> 00:04:13,219
Or investigation matters.
90
00:04:13,287 --> 00:04:15,887
- She described you
as the perfect guy.
91
00:04:15,957 --> 00:04:17,555
- I did whatever I could
at the time,
92
00:04:17,624 --> 00:04:19,091
Whatever I could do
to help her.
93
00:04:19,159 --> 00:04:20,426
We did everything,
go out to movies,
94
00:04:20,494 --> 00:04:22,293
Family events, everything.
95
00:04:22,363 --> 00:04:25,497
I kept the house clean.
I took care of the garbage.
96
00:04:25,566 --> 00:04:27,365
I did all the repairs
in the house.
97
00:04:27,434 --> 00:04:28,968
Everyone thought
we were married.
98
00:04:29,036 --> 00:04:30,635
Everyone.
99
00:04:30,637 --> 00:04:32,305
- Seemona, a single mother,
100
00:04:32,372 --> 00:04:34,506
Was raising
a 12-year-old daughter.
101
00:04:34,574 --> 00:04:36,641
She took to jerry, too.
102
00:04:36,643 --> 00:04:38,110
The romance blossomed.
103
00:04:38,178 --> 00:04:39,779
There was even talk
of marriage,
104
00:04:39,846 --> 00:04:43,382
But a call out of the blue
changed everything.
105
00:04:43,450 --> 00:04:46,052
A woman on the other end
introduced herself
106
00:04:46,119 --> 00:04:48,854
As jerry ramrattan's wife.
107
00:04:48,922 --> 00:04:52,323
- That was a shocker.
I doubted her at first.
108
00:04:52,393 --> 00:04:53,658
You can't be serious.
109
00:04:53,727 --> 00:04:55,193
- It got worse.
110
00:04:55,195 --> 00:04:58,863
Not only was jerry married,
he also had three children.
111
00:04:58,932 --> 00:05:00,732
Seemona confronted him.
112
00:05:00,801 --> 00:05:02,934
- At first,
he denied it.
113
00:05:03,003 --> 00:05:06,538
Finally, he tells me that
it's true,
114
00:05:06,540 --> 00:05:09,274
And-- but it's not
what it seems.
115
00:05:09,343 --> 00:05:12,944
The marriage
was arranged by family
116
00:05:13,013 --> 00:05:14,614
For a green card.
117
00:05:14,681 --> 00:05:17,816
- So, what did you do
with that explanation?
118
00:05:17,885 --> 00:05:20,085
- I-I didn't--
I didn't believe it.
119
00:05:20,153 --> 00:05:22,287
How do I trust anything
that you say?
120
00:05:22,355 --> 00:05:23,488
- How did you explain that,
121
00:05:23,490 --> 00:05:25,090
"I have a wife
but I'm with you."
122
00:05:25,158 --> 00:05:27,092
- I explained to her
that before I met her
123
00:05:27,094 --> 00:05:29,227
I was separated
from my wife.
124
00:05:29,296 --> 00:05:31,096
Which was true.
My wife was living in brooklyn.
125
00:05:31,098 --> 00:05:32,297
I was living
in queens.
126
00:05:32,299 --> 00:05:33,231
She was upset
about it,
127
00:05:33,300 --> 00:05:35,433
But she never ended
the relationship.
128
00:05:35,502 --> 00:05:37,970
- But it was
the beginning of the end.
129
00:05:38,038 --> 00:05:40,572
Seemona banished jerry
to the basement,
130
00:05:40,574 --> 00:05:42,640
And then finally told him
to leave her house
131
00:05:42,709 --> 00:05:45,177
By February 20, 2009.
132
00:05:45,245 --> 00:05:48,179
But more than two weeks
after the deadline,
133
00:05:48,248 --> 00:05:50,849
Jerry was still there.
134
00:05:50,851 --> 00:05:52,851
- He was talking about
the relationship
135
00:05:52,919 --> 00:05:55,053
Like it still existed,
136
00:05:55,122 --> 00:05:57,455
And I kept on saying to him,
137
00:05:57,524 --> 00:06:00,859
"jerry, you have to leave.
We're not together."
138
00:06:00,927 --> 00:06:03,395
- They started arguing,
but this time,
139
00:06:03,463 --> 00:06:07,065
Seemona says it took
a dark turn into strange
140
00:06:07,134 --> 00:06:09,134
And ominous territory.
141
00:06:09,136 --> 00:06:12,670
- He got my hands
behind me.
142
00:06:12,739 --> 00:06:15,807
Next thing, I'm hearing
duct tape unrolled.
143
00:06:15,809 --> 00:06:19,210
- Seemona says jerry jammed
his knee into her back,
144
00:06:19,279 --> 00:06:21,947
Pushed her face down
onto her bed,
145
00:06:21,949 --> 00:06:24,549
And quickly taped
her wrists together.
146
00:06:24,618 --> 00:06:27,218
But she says jerry
was strangely calm.
147
00:06:27,287 --> 00:06:29,287
He let her sit up
in bed and acted like
148
00:06:29,289 --> 00:06:32,224
It was just another
lazy Sunday at home.
149
00:06:32,292 --> 00:06:35,694
He watched tv,
ordered chinese food,
150
00:06:35,696 --> 00:06:38,763
And incredibly,
tried to win her back.
151
00:06:38,765 --> 00:06:40,365
- You have me right now
duct taped,
152
00:06:40,367 --> 00:06:42,634
And you're having a conversation
with me? Are you--
153
00:06:42,702 --> 00:06:43,903
Have you lost
your mind?
154
00:06:43,970 --> 00:06:45,303
I just let him have it.
155
00:06:45,372 --> 00:06:47,640
And I called him every named
I could possibly call him.
156
00:06:47,707 --> 00:06:50,042
- For a moment,
jerry seemed to lose it.
157
00:06:50,110 --> 00:06:52,110
Seemona says he
started crying,
158
00:06:52,112 --> 00:06:54,379
Pulled a gun out
of his waistband,
159
00:06:54,447 --> 00:06:57,383
And put the barrel
against his own head.
160
00:06:57,451 --> 00:06:59,851
- I said, "listen,
if you want to kill yourself,
161
00:06:59,853 --> 00:07:01,186
"don't do it
in my house.
162
00:07:01,254 --> 00:07:02,988
"don't do it
in my house."
163
00:07:03,056 --> 00:07:07,092
And, in no time,
he was back to normal again.
164
00:07:08,261 --> 00:07:10,429
- The bizarre scene
played out for hours.
165
00:07:10,498 --> 00:07:13,798
Seemona said she thought it was
jerry's dramatic parting shot,
166
00:07:13,867 --> 00:07:16,401
But when she tried to
get up from the bed,
167
00:07:16,403 --> 00:07:18,136
She says he snapped.
168
00:07:18,138 --> 00:07:21,206
- Just when he-- just grabbed me
with one arm and just--
169
00:07:21,274 --> 00:07:23,542
Just pulled me right--
right down the stairs.
170
00:07:23,610 --> 00:07:25,076
- How big a man is he?
171
00:07:25,145 --> 00:07:28,413
- He's 6'4",
more than 200 pounds.
172
00:07:28,481 --> 00:07:30,548
- And forgive me,
but how big are you?
173
00:07:30,617 --> 00:07:33,018
- 110 pounds, 5-- 5'1".
174
00:07:33,086 --> 00:07:35,154
And I was duct taped,
so I couldn't control
175
00:07:35,222 --> 00:07:37,088
What was going on,
really, much.
176
00:07:37,090 --> 00:07:38,423
- He drags you down
to the basement.
177
00:07:38,491 --> 00:07:39,557
- All the way down.
178
00:07:39,626 --> 00:07:42,160
- Seemona says she was lying
on the basement floor
179
00:07:42,229 --> 00:07:45,029
When jerry wrapped duct tape
around her legs.
180
00:07:45,098 --> 00:07:47,299
- He didn't utter a word.
181
00:07:47,367 --> 00:07:50,235
He just took all
his clothes off,
182
00:07:50,303 --> 00:07:52,104
Untied my robe.
183
00:07:52,172 --> 00:07:56,374
Took off my underwear,
and that was that.
184
00:07:56,443 --> 00:07:57,709
- He rapes you.
- Yes.
185
00:07:57,778 --> 00:07:59,511
- And...
186
00:07:59,579 --> 00:08:01,312
You're powerless
to resist it?
187
00:08:01,381 --> 00:08:02,780
- Yeah.
188
00:08:02,849 --> 00:08:06,050
And I'm trying
to fight him off,
189
00:08:06,119 --> 00:08:07,252
But I can't.
190
00:08:07,254 --> 00:08:10,255
I can't breathe,
and, um...
191
00:08:10,323 --> 00:08:13,124
I really felt like
I was gonna pass out.
192
00:08:13,126 --> 00:08:15,794
He started to cry again,
193
00:08:15,796 --> 00:08:19,465
And apologized,
that he didn't mean
194
00:08:19,533 --> 00:08:22,066
To do this,
and he hopes that, you know,
195
00:08:22,135 --> 00:08:25,871
I don't--
I don't report it.
196
00:08:26,740 --> 00:08:29,140
The last thing I think
I said to him was,
197
00:08:29,142 --> 00:08:31,142
"you should have just
used the gun.
198
00:08:31,211 --> 00:08:32,944
"why didn't you?"
199
00:08:33,013 --> 00:08:34,946
- Jerry didn't answer.
200
00:08:35,015 --> 00:08:37,815
He simply grabbed
his things and left.
201
00:08:37,884 --> 00:08:39,718
Seemona called 911.
202
00:08:48,895 --> 00:08:52,096
Jerry ramrattan was arrested
and charged with rape.
203
00:08:52,165 --> 00:08:54,899
He emphatically denied
every detail
204
00:08:54,901 --> 00:08:56,968
Of seemona's accusation.
205
00:08:57,037 --> 00:08:59,238
She said she had been bound,
206
00:08:59,306 --> 00:09:01,840
Dragged downstairs,
and raped.
207
00:09:01,842 --> 00:09:05,310
Not just any rape,
hours of-of emotional torture
208
00:09:05,378 --> 00:09:07,979
And forcibly penetrated.
209
00:09:07,981 --> 00:09:10,581
- I never touched someone.
- You did have sex that night.
210
00:09:10,651 --> 00:09:12,383
- Yes.
- In the bedroom?
211
00:09:12,452 --> 00:09:13,851
- Yes.
- Not downstairs?
212
00:09:13,920 --> 00:09:15,253
- No.
213
00:09:15,322 --> 00:09:17,388
- Consensual sex?
- Sure.
214
00:09:17,457 --> 00:09:19,190
We were having sex
all the time.
215
00:09:19,259 --> 00:09:20,860
It was never rape.
216
00:09:20,927 --> 00:09:24,195
- And with that,
a bitter he said, she said case
217
00:09:24,264 --> 00:09:27,398
Was unleashed, one
that would land both jerry
218
00:09:27,467 --> 00:09:30,802
And seemona on
the wrong side of the law.
219
00:09:33,140 --> 00:09:34,272
Coming up...
220
00:09:34,340 --> 00:09:35,707
- I was-- I was--
221
00:09:35,709 --> 00:09:39,744
- A disturbing 911 call,
a string of armed robberies,
222
00:09:39,813 --> 00:09:42,213
And an astonishing twist.
223
00:09:42,281 --> 00:09:43,816
- I was asked to step
out of the car,
224
00:09:43,883 --> 00:09:45,884
Handcuffs was placed
on me...
225
00:09:45,886 --> 00:09:48,953
- Was jerry's accuser
the real criminal?
226
00:09:48,955 --> 00:09:52,091
When "dateline:
Secrets uncovered" continues.
227
00:09:55,094 --> 00:10:02,100
♪♪
228
00:10:02,169 --> 00:10:04,969
- More than a year had passed
since seemona sumasar
229
00:10:05,038 --> 00:10:09,107
Had accused her ex boyfriend
jerry ramrattan of rape.
230
00:10:09,175 --> 00:10:11,242
Jerry was out on bail.
231
00:10:11,311 --> 00:10:14,112
In a desperate phone call,
he tried to plead his case
232
00:10:14,181 --> 00:10:16,247
To her one last time.
233
00:10:16,316 --> 00:10:19,050
- He said "please, please,
please, I'm begging you."
234
00:10:19,119 --> 00:10:21,053
"don't do this.
Don't do this.
235
00:10:21,121 --> 00:10:22,387
"don't go through
with it.
236
00:10:22,455 --> 00:10:24,989
"think about my kids."
237
00:10:24,991 --> 00:10:26,792
And I said, "don't ever
call me again
238
00:10:26,860 --> 00:10:28,192
"or try to contact me."
239
00:10:28,261 --> 00:10:31,063
- Seemona wanted to see
jerry behind bars,
240
00:10:31,131 --> 00:10:34,133
But on the night
of may 21, 2010,
241
00:10:34,200 --> 00:10:37,935
Her case and her life
exploded into chaos.
242
00:10:38,004 --> 00:10:40,405
She was driving near
her restaurant
243
00:10:40,407 --> 00:10:42,674
When she was pulled over
by police.
244
00:10:42,743 --> 00:10:43,675
- These were detectives.
245
00:10:43,677 --> 00:10:45,009
These weren't regular
patrol officers.
246
00:10:45,011 --> 00:10:46,744
- Detectives,
plain clothing.
247
00:10:46,813 --> 00:10:48,546
You know, and I
explained who I was.
248
00:10:48,615 --> 00:10:49,748
They didn't seem
to care.
249
00:10:49,816 --> 00:10:51,549
I was asked to step
out of the car,
250
00:10:51,618 --> 00:10:53,586
Handcuffs was
placed on me.
251
00:10:53,653 --> 00:10:55,153
- Seemona was bewildered.
252
00:10:55,155 --> 00:10:57,856
She'd never been in trouble
with police before.
253
00:10:57,924 --> 00:11:01,626
More puzzling, the detectives
were from suburban long island.
254
00:11:01,695 --> 00:11:03,828
They drove seemona
to a precinct house
255
00:11:03,897 --> 00:11:06,432
In nassau county,
where she was questioned
256
00:11:06,499 --> 00:11:09,167
About her car,
her driving routines,
257
00:11:09,169 --> 00:11:12,170
And her whereabouts
on several dates.
258
00:11:12,239 --> 00:11:14,839
- We were having a conversation
about all of these things,
259
00:11:14,908 --> 00:11:17,909
And nothing was making
any sense to me.
260
00:11:17,978 --> 00:11:20,178
These people obviously
think I did something.
261
00:11:20,247 --> 00:11:21,980
The detectives acted
as though seemona
262
00:11:21,982 --> 00:11:25,049
Was hiding something,
and kept pressing her.
263
00:11:25,118 --> 00:11:27,252
Her attorney,
nick brustin.
264
00:11:27,320 --> 00:11:29,988
- Seemona's arrest
was a nightmare.
265
00:11:29,990 --> 00:11:31,389
She's not given
any information
266
00:11:31,458 --> 00:11:33,057
About why she's
being arrested,
267
00:11:33,126 --> 00:11:34,860
Has no idea
what's happening.
268
00:11:34,928 --> 00:11:38,863
It's just a terrifying,
shocking experience.
269
00:11:38,932 --> 00:11:41,265
Seemona says she was
even more shocked
270
00:11:41,334 --> 00:11:44,669
When she finally learned
why she was there.
271
00:11:44,737 --> 00:11:48,207
A frantic 911 call
had made her the suspect
272
00:11:48,274 --> 00:11:49,941
In an armed robbery.
273
00:11:55,749 --> 00:11:58,283
The caller was a woman
named luz johnson,
274
00:11:58,285 --> 00:12:01,219
Who had been driving in
a quiet long island neighborhood
275
00:12:01,221 --> 00:12:03,288
Just over the border
from queens.
276
00:12:14,667 --> 00:12:16,567
- She was pulled over
by this male
277
00:12:16,636 --> 00:12:20,304
And female police officer
in a two-tone jeep cherokee
278
00:12:20,373 --> 00:12:22,307
With a red
flashing light.
279
00:12:22,309 --> 00:12:25,109
- Reporter shari einhorn
covered the story
280
00:12:25,111 --> 00:12:27,111
For news 12 long island.
281
00:12:27,113 --> 00:12:29,380
- They're wearing
bulletproof vests with badges
282
00:12:29,449 --> 00:12:32,583
Or shields hanging
from their necks.
283
00:12:32,585 --> 00:12:35,586
They have black
semiautomatic handguns.
284
00:12:35,588 --> 00:12:38,923
- But it turned out
these were not police officers.
285
00:12:38,992 --> 00:12:42,327
Johnson says they were bandits
who robbed her at gunpoint,
286
00:12:42,329 --> 00:12:43,928
Walking off with
her rent money,
287
00:12:43,997 --> 00:12:46,264
$1,400 in cash.
288
00:12:46,333 --> 00:12:48,399
[indistinct chatter]
289
00:12:48,468 --> 00:12:51,469
- The mo struck a chord
with nassau county police.
290
00:12:51,538 --> 00:12:55,072
It sounded almost exactly
like two other armed robberies,
291
00:12:55,141 --> 00:12:58,609
Recorded nearby over
the previous six months.
292
00:12:58,611 --> 00:13:02,680
- Each of the incidents happened
in the wee morning hours.
293
00:13:02,749 --> 00:13:06,350
Each of the incidents seemed
to be a routine traffic stop,
294
00:13:06,419 --> 00:13:09,554
And in each of the incidents,
the female is often described
295
00:13:09,622 --> 00:13:12,223
As either spanish
or indian.
296
00:13:12,292 --> 00:13:14,893
- The first victim,
rajive mohanlal,
297
00:13:14,895 --> 00:13:16,694
A burly man in his 20's,
298
00:13:16,763 --> 00:13:19,030
Described a harrowing
confrontation with
299
00:13:19,098 --> 00:13:21,766
A petite woman posing
as a cop.
300
00:13:21,835 --> 00:13:25,236
Mohanlal tells police that
she handcuffed him,
301
00:13:25,305 --> 00:13:27,572
And police find him
wearing handcuffs.
302
00:13:27,640 --> 00:13:29,841
And mohanlal also
tells police that
303
00:13:29,843 --> 00:13:33,778
The female officer
cocked her gun near his head
304
00:13:33,847 --> 00:13:37,248
And a bullet popped out,
and police do,
305
00:13:37,317 --> 00:13:40,452
In fact, find a bullet
on the ground.
306
00:13:40,520 --> 00:13:42,921
- That case went unsolved.
307
00:13:42,923 --> 00:13:44,755
Five months later,
the same thing happened
308
00:13:44,824 --> 00:13:46,958
To an optician named
terrell lovell.
309
00:14:01,007 --> 00:14:03,675
- He's able to describe
a little more detail
310
00:14:03,743 --> 00:14:05,811
Of the car
that pulled him over.
311
00:14:05,879 --> 00:14:08,413
A jeep cherokee,
312
00:14:08,415 --> 00:14:11,215
Gray,
with partial gold rims,
313
00:14:11,217 --> 00:14:12,951
With a flashing red light.
314
00:14:12,953 --> 00:14:15,086
- Still not enough
to crack the case,
315
00:14:15,154 --> 00:14:19,023
Until the night luz johnson
became victim number three.
316
00:14:19,092 --> 00:14:21,960
[crying]
317
00:14:23,162 --> 00:14:24,897
- Johnson was inconsolable,
318
00:14:24,964 --> 00:14:27,899
So shaken she could barely
put a sentence together.
319
00:14:27,967 --> 00:14:31,235
But she was clear-headed enough
to remember the license plate
320
00:14:31,304 --> 00:14:32,971
Of the jeep cherokee.
321
00:14:32,973 --> 00:14:35,807
Police traced it to
a house in queens.
322
00:14:35,809 --> 00:14:38,709
It was seemona sumasar's house,
323
00:14:38,778 --> 00:14:40,978
The very same house
where police had come
324
00:14:41,047 --> 00:14:44,448
One year earlier when she
had said she was raped,
325
00:14:44,517 --> 00:14:48,119
But this time, they were
coming for her as the suspect
326
00:14:48,188 --> 00:14:50,455
In a string
of brazen robberies.
327
00:14:50,457 --> 00:14:53,991
All police needed now
was a positive id.
328
00:14:54,060 --> 00:14:57,194
Each of the three victims
is able to pick out
329
00:14:57,263 --> 00:14:59,731
Seemona sumasar from
a photo pack.
330
00:14:59,799 --> 00:15:01,999
- To prosecutors
in nassau county,
331
00:15:02,068 --> 00:15:04,135
It looked like a mountain
of evidence.
332
00:15:04,204 --> 00:15:06,804
They charged seemona
with armed robbery,
333
00:15:06,873 --> 00:15:08,273
Possession of a firearm,
334
00:15:08,342 --> 00:15:10,708
And impersonating
a police officer.
335
00:15:10,777 --> 00:15:12,343
When frank degaetano,
336
00:15:12,412 --> 00:15:14,745
The prosecutor
in seemona's rape case,
337
00:15:14,814 --> 00:15:16,547
First heard about
her arrest,
338
00:15:16,616 --> 00:15:19,150
He had to ask himself
what kind of person
339
00:15:19,152 --> 00:15:21,486
His star witness
really was.
340
00:15:21,554 --> 00:15:24,656
I've prosecuted priests.
I've prosecuted doctors,
341
00:15:24,724 --> 00:15:28,559
Lawyers, boy scout leaders,
people that you wouldn't think
342
00:15:28,628 --> 00:15:30,628
Would be engaging
in criminal activity,
343
00:15:30,630 --> 00:15:31,762
But yet were.
344
00:15:31,831 --> 00:15:33,898
- When you heard robbery
and seemona,
345
00:15:33,967 --> 00:15:35,700
What was your first thought?
346
00:15:35,768 --> 00:15:37,902
- I thought, "wow.
I can't believe it."
347
00:15:37,971 --> 00:15:39,770
I didn't think
she was like that.
348
00:15:39,839 --> 00:15:42,840
- So did you think this
must be some horrible mistake?
349
00:15:42,909 --> 00:15:46,110
- Well, I believe that-that,
you know, there's four sides
350
00:15:46,112 --> 00:15:47,578
To the story.
- Four sides?
351
00:15:47,647 --> 00:15:51,616
- Yeah, the if, the truth,
the maybe, and whatever else.
352
00:15:52,819 --> 00:15:55,186
- And in the case
of seemona and jerry,
353
00:15:55,255 --> 00:15:57,956
All sides were about
to collide,
354
00:15:58,024 --> 00:16:00,791
Exposing how far
some people will go
355
00:16:00,861 --> 00:16:04,295
To exact revenge.
356
00:16:04,297 --> 00:16:05,130
Coming up...
357
00:16:05,198 --> 00:16:06,931
- Seemona's rage.
358
00:16:06,933 --> 00:16:09,266
- There was no doubt
that I had it in for him.
359
00:16:09,335 --> 00:16:10,935
I'm not gonna deny that.
360
00:16:10,937 --> 00:16:13,804
- When "dateline:
Secrets uncovered" continues.
361
00:16:24,918 --> 00:16:27,885
- Seemona sumasar was getting
to know the justice system
362
00:16:27,887 --> 00:16:29,487
From both ends.
363
00:16:29,489 --> 00:16:32,057
First, in queens,
as the accuser
364
00:16:32,125 --> 00:16:34,692
And star witness
in a rape case against
365
00:16:34,761 --> 00:16:37,695
Her former boyfriend,
jerry ramrattan.
366
00:16:37,764 --> 00:16:40,631
And now,
in a long island jail cell,
367
00:16:40,700 --> 00:16:42,567
Charged with armed robbery
368
00:16:42,569 --> 00:16:44,902
And impersonating
a police officer.
369
00:16:44,904 --> 00:16:47,105
The prosecutor
of her rape case found
370
00:16:47,173 --> 00:16:49,907
The charges hard
to believe, but he knew
371
00:16:49,909 --> 00:16:53,178
Long island prosecutors
had discovered a motive.
372
00:16:53,246 --> 00:16:55,513
- She was in arrears
on her taxes.
373
00:16:55,515 --> 00:16:57,782
They eventually came
to believe that her restaurant
374
00:16:57,784 --> 00:17:00,117
Was failing,
and that she was
375
00:17:00,186 --> 00:17:02,788
In desperate
financial straits.
376
00:17:02,855 --> 00:17:04,855
- I understand she had
some money issues.
377
00:17:04,857 --> 00:17:06,391
- A lot of money issues.
378
00:17:06,459 --> 00:17:08,125
There was a lot of stuff
going on.
379
00:17:08,194 --> 00:17:09,593
- When they first
started dating,
380
00:17:09,662 --> 00:17:11,862
Jerry was at the restaurant
all the time,
381
00:17:11,931 --> 00:17:14,598
Greeting customers,
driving employees home,
382
00:17:14,667 --> 00:17:16,133
Handling deliveries.
383
00:17:16,202 --> 00:17:18,136
He was so involved,
some people thought
384
00:17:18,204 --> 00:17:19,603
He was the boss.
385
00:17:19,672 --> 00:17:21,338
- What did you do
at the restaurant, initially?
386
00:17:21,407 --> 00:17:24,008
- At first, I came in
and I started assisting her
387
00:17:24,077 --> 00:17:26,678
Because she was having problems.
She had violations,
388
00:17:26,746 --> 00:17:28,813
Several thousands
of dollars in violations.
389
00:17:28,881 --> 00:17:31,083
They were coming after her
for taxes.
390
00:17:31,150 --> 00:17:34,418
She had an sba loan,
small business loan,
391
00:17:34,487 --> 00:17:36,487
And she defaulted
on the loan.
392
00:17:36,556 --> 00:17:38,222
It was a lot of stuff
going on.
393
00:17:38,224 --> 00:17:40,158
- Was she a good
business woman?
394
00:17:40,226 --> 00:17:42,027
- She tried.
395
00:17:42,095 --> 00:17:43,495
She tried.
396
00:17:43,563 --> 00:17:47,165
- Jerry says seemona's
financial situation got so bad,
397
00:17:47,167 --> 00:17:50,035
He took charge
of day-to-day operations.
398
00:17:50,103 --> 00:17:52,704
Then, when seemona formed
a new corporation
399
00:17:52,772 --> 00:17:56,040
To run the restaurant,
she named jerry an officer.
400
00:17:56,109 --> 00:17:58,443
She even created
a new bank account
401
00:17:58,511 --> 00:18:01,679
To handle expenses
and put it in jerry's name.
402
00:18:01,747 --> 00:18:04,648
And finally, when money
became too tight,
403
00:18:04,717 --> 00:18:07,585
He says seemona took
the ultimate step.
404
00:18:07,653 --> 00:18:10,322
You say that seemona ended up
selling the restaurant to you.
405
00:18:10,389 --> 00:18:12,623
- Correct. And they gave me
a notarized letter
406
00:18:12,692 --> 00:18:14,726
Stating that it was
sold to me.
407
00:18:14,794 --> 00:18:17,328
And they also transferred
the light, the gas,
408
00:18:17,396 --> 00:18:19,463
All the utilities
in my name.
409
00:18:19,532 --> 00:18:22,333
- Seemona said she did not
sell the restaurant,
410
00:18:22,402 --> 00:18:24,735
And it was never
in dire straits.
411
00:18:24,804 --> 00:18:27,471
She says her problem
was with jerry.
412
00:18:27,473 --> 00:18:29,607
Once she discovered
he was a married man,
413
00:18:29,675 --> 00:18:31,942
She just didn't
trust him anymore.
414
00:18:32,011 --> 00:18:34,212
- I had no clue who
he really was,
415
00:18:34,280 --> 00:18:37,882
If anything that he said
was true at all.
416
00:18:37,950 --> 00:18:40,352
And I said, you know what,
I can't take this anymore.
417
00:18:40,419 --> 00:18:44,288
- And that's when seemona says
she told jerry to leave.
418
00:18:44,290 --> 00:18:47,225
She also wrote an email
to his wife.
419
00:18:47,227 --> 00:18:49,093
Things were getting ugly.
420
00:18:49,095 --> 00:18:51,562
In the email, it says,
"revenge is sweet.
421
00:18:51,631 --> 00:18:53,231
"he deserves what he gets.
422
00:18:53,233 --> 00:18:54,832
"you were never gonna
put him in his place.
423
00:18:54,834 --> 00:18:56,300
"someone needed to."
424
00:18:56,302 --> 00:18:59,036
- There is no doubt that
I had it in for him.
425
00:18:59,105 --> 00:19:00,705
I'm not gonna deny that.
426
00:19:00,707 --> 00:19:03,507
I explained to her
that I am trying to get him
427
00:19:03,576 --> 00:19:04,575
Out of my life.
428
00:19:04,644 --> 00:19:05,976
It's not
an easy thing to do.
429
00:19:06,045 --> 00:19:08,312
- I mean, was this related
to the fact that
430
00:19:08,381 --> 00:19:09,914
You had set
this deadline, and--
431
00:19:09,982 --> 00:19:13,083
- Yes, and I wanted him out.
432
00:19:13,085 --> 00:19:15,520
- It was just one month later
that seemona
433
00:19:15,588 --> 00:19:17,788
Accused jerry of rape.
434
00:19:17,790 --> 00:19:19,323
Why would she make
this up?
435
00:19:19,392 --> 00:19:22,860
- Well, her whole problem
was she wanted the store back.
436
00:19:22,929 --> 00:19:24,929
After all the stuff
I've done for her.
437
00:19:24,997 --> 00:19:26,731
Do you know how
preposterous that sounds,
438
00:19:26,733 --> 00:19:27,865
After all this time?
439
00:19:27,934 --> 00:19:30,601
You're gonna accuse me
of rape?
440
00:19:30,670 --> 00:19:32,069
It was like a nightmare.
441
00:19:32,071 --> 00:19:34,139
- But now, the prosecutor,
getting ready to bring
442
00:19:34,207 --> 00:19:37,808
Jerry to trial for rape,
had his own nightmare.
443
00:19:37,810 --> 00:19:41,346
His star witness had lost
her most important credential,
444
00:19:41,414 --> 00:19:43,280
Her credibility.
445
00:19:43,349 --> 00:19:47,017
- We were presenting her
as thoughtful,
446
00:19:47,086 --> 00:19:50,689
Gentle, a private woman,
and essentially, you know,
447
00:19:50,756 --> 00:19:53,090
The defense would have been
able to paint her as ma barker.
448
00:19:53,159 --> 00:19:55,193
- And that's exactly
how it played out
449
00:19:55,261 --> 00:19:56,761
In front of a grand jury.
450
00:19:56,829 --> 00:19:59,697
All three victims testified
that seemona was the woman
451
00:19:59,765 --> 00:20:02,333
Who disguised herself
as a police officer
452
00:20:02,402 --> 00:20:04,502
And robbed them
at gunpoint.
453
00:20:04,504 --> 00:20:06,971
Seemona was indicted,
and her bail was set
454
00:20:07,039 --> 00:20:08,974
At $1 million.
455
00:20:09,041 --> 00:20:10,908
She couldn't come up
with the money,
456
00:20:10,977 --> 00:20:12,977
And remained in jail.
457
00:20:13,045 --> 00:20:15,647
- They've got three witnesses
that identified you
458
00:20:15,715 --> 00:20:17,715
In a lineup,
identified your car.
459
00:20:17,717 --> 00:20:20,518
They had what, to them, seemed
like a pretty good case.
460
00:20:20,586 --> 00:20:22,187
Did you understand that?
- Yeah.
461
00:20:22,255 --> 00:20:23,587
I do understand that.
462
00:20:23,589 --> 00:20:25,589
- But what seemona
didn't understand
463
00:20:25,658 --> 00:20:28,392
Was why nassau county police
and prosecutors
464
00:20:28,461 --> 00:20:30,862
Were ignoring evidence
she felt certain
465
00:20:30,930 --> 00:20:32,263
Would clear her.
466
00:20:32,265 --> 00:20:35,466
Most significant, she claims
she had an airtight alibi
467
00:20:35,534 --> 00:20:37,468
For the night of
the third robbery.
468
00:22:08,027 --> 00:22:10,227
- Seemona's attorney says
police didn't take
469
00:22:10,296 --> 00:22:12,163
Her alibi seriously
470
00:22:12,231 --> 00:22:15,032
Because they had already
made up their minds.
471
00:22:15,034 --> 00:22:18,502
- It was very clear that
it's seemona in the picture.
472
00:22:18,571 --> 00:22:20,838
Um, the cellphone records
support it.
473
00:22:20,907 --> 00:22:22,439
With that kind of evidence,
474
00:22:22,508 --> 00:22:24,775
A full investigation
should be conducted
475
00:22:24,777 --> 00:22:26,110
Into what she's claiming.
476
00:22:26,112 --> 00:22:28,913
- But nassau county police
didn't budge.
477
00:22:28,915 --> 00:22:32,182
They felt the evidence against
seemona was overwhelming.
478
00:22:32,251 --> 00:22:35,052
And as she languished
in jail for months,
479
00:22:35,121 --> 00:22:37,387
One thing kept
eating at her,
480
00:22:37,457 --> 00:22:38,555
Something that happened
481
00:22:38,624 --> 00:22:40,592
The night she was
taken into custody.
482
00:22:40,659 --> 00:22:43,461
- At one point,
during the interrogation,
483
00:22:43,463 --> 00:22:46,731
I noticed that there is
a folder, like manila folder,
484
00:22:46,799 --> 00:22:49,266
This high,
and on top of it,
485
00:22:49,335 --> 00:22:51,068
Is his picture.
486
00:22:51,070 --> 00:22:52,536
- Who's picture?
- Jerry's.
487
00:22:52,605 --> 00:22:54,138
They have a folder on him.
488
00:22:54,206 --> 00:22:56,607
So I spilled my guts
about the rape,
489
00:22:56,676 --> 00:22:59,811
Everything I know about jerry,
and what's goin' on.
490
00:22:59,879 --> 00:23:04,281
And the detective
casually just says to me,
491
00:23:04,283 --> 00:23:05,817
Well, this is not
about him.
492
00:23:05,885 --> 00:23:07,552
I'm thinking to myself,
how could this not
493
00:23:07,620 --> 00:23:09,320
Have anything to do
with him?
494
00:23:11,357 --> 00:23:13,291
- The mystery starts
to unravel,
495
00:23:13,359 --> 00:23:17,628
And surprises are
about to be uncovered.
496
00:23:17,696 --> 00:23:18,929
- Coming up...
497
00:23:18,998 --> 00:23:23,768
A new witness comes forward,
and upends the entire case.
498
00:23:23,836 --> 00:23:25,669
- She decided to go to
the nassau d.A.'s office
499
00:23:25,671 --> 00:23:27,071
And come clean.
500
00:23:27,139 --> 00:23:30,007
- When "dateline:
Secrets uncovered" continues.
501
00:23:33,278 --> 00:23:37,582
♪♪
502
00:23:37,650 --> 00:23:40,584
- Welcome back to
"dateline: Secrets uncovered".
503
00:23:40,653 --> 00:23:42,052
I'm craig melvin.
504
00:23:42,054 --> 00:23:46,124
Seemona sumasar had accused
her ex-boyfriend of rape.
505
00:23:46,192 --> 00:23:50,260
But in a bizarre twist,
found herself behind bars.
506
00:23:50,329 --> 00:23:53,198
She was convinced he had
something to do with her arrest,
507
00:23:53,265 --> 00:23:54,933
But had no way to prove it
508
00:23:55,000 --> 00:23:57,067
From the darkness
of a prison cell.
509
00:23:57,136 --> 00:24:01,072
Now, someone with a secret
was about to shine a light
510
00:24:01,140 --> 00:24:03,607
That just might
set her free.
511
00:24:03,676 --> 00:24:06,210
Back to lester holt
with "vengeance".
512
00:24:07,546 --> 00:24:09,446
- Seemona sumasar was in jail,
513
00:24:09,515 --> 00:24:11,483
About to be tried
for armed robbery
514
00:24:11,550 --> 00:24:14,051
And impersonating
a police officer.
515
00:24:14,119 --> 00:24:16,753
For a woman who had been
a success on wall street,
516
00:24:16,822 --> 00:24:18,489
And owned
her own restaurant,
517
00:24:18,491 --> 00:24:20,891
It seemed to defy
all logic.
518
00:24:20,893 --> 00:24:24,428
Is it hard to believe that
that's you?
519
00:24:24,497 --> 00:24:27,030
- Yeah, I-I-I say it everyday,
it's not my life.
520
00:24:27,099 --> 00:24:28,299
This couldn't have
happened to me.
521
00:24:28,367 --> 00:24:30,634
It-it's-it's like
a bad dream.
522
00:24:30,703 --> 00:24:32,703
- Seemona said
she was innocent,
523
00:24:32,772 --> 00:24:35,639
And thought she had given
police an airtight alibi
524
00:24:35,708 --> 00:24:38,108
For the night of
one of the robberies.
525
00:24:38,110 --> 00:24:40,177
She racked her brain,
trying to come up
526
00:24:40,246 --> 00:24:41,645
With an explanation.
527
00:24:41,714 --> 00:24:43,981
She could only
think of one.
528
00:24:43,983 --> 00:24:47,184
This had to be the work
of jerry ramrattan.
529
00:24:47,253 --> 00:24:49,720
- There was no doubt
that, at that time,
530
00:24:49,788 --> 00:24:51,922
That this has to do
with jerry.
531
00:24:51,991 --> 00:24:54,859
- Seemona felt certain the man
charged with raping her
532
00:24:54,927 --> 00:24:58,262
Must be connected to
the charges against her now.
533
00:24:58,330 --> 00:24:59,397
But how?
534
00:24:59,465 --> 00:25:01,932
She says she pleaded
with police and prosecutors
535
00:25:02,001 --> 00:25:03,600
To try to find out.
536
00:25:03,669 --> 00:25:05,602
But they didn't
seem interested.
537
00:25:05,671 --> 00:25:08,939
Seemona's lawyer says
they didn't do their jobs.
538
00:25:09,008 --> 00:25:10,742
- Police have blinders.
539
00:25:10,809 --> 00:25:13,545
They get a piece of evidence
they think is credible,
540
00:25:13,612 --> 00:25:16,280
And they follow it
to the exclusion of all else.
541
00:25:16,348 --> 00:25:19,216
And they were
looking for ways
542
00:25:19,285 --> 00:25:20,684
To prove that she
committed this crime.
543
00:25:20,753 --> 00:25:21,953
They were convinced
she did.
544
00:25:22,021 --> 00:25:25,289
They weren't looking for ways
to prove that she didn't.
545
00:25:25,357 --> 00:25:26,724
- As the months dragged on,
546
00:25:26,792 --> 00:25:29,760
Seemona felt like
she'd been assaulted twice.
547
00:25:29,762 --> 00:25:31,695
First by her ex-boyfriend,
548
00:25:31,764 --> 00:25:33,965
And now, by
the justice system.
549
00:25:34,033 --> 00:25:35,967
- It became difficult.
550
00:25:36,035 --> 00:25:40,437
You know, all the negative,
like, because of...
551
00:25:40,506 --> 00:25:42,973
My arrest. A lot of
embarrassing things
552
00:25:43,042 --> 00:25:45,642
That my family had to,
you know, go through.
553
00:25:45,711 --> 00:25:49,379
A lot of shame,
a lot of guilt.
554
00:25:49,381 --> 00:25:52,249
Like, how to explain
what's going on,
555
00:25:52,318 --> 00:25:53,884
What's being said
about me.
556
00:25:53,953 --> 00:25:56,854
- Then, just before christmas,
a gift.
557
00:25:56,856 --> 00:26:00,057
A woman arrived
at the nassau county da's office
558
00:26:00,059 --> 00:26:03,060
With evidence of a plot
against seemona.
559
00:26:03,129 --> 00:26:04,661
How did she know?
560
00:26:04,730 --> 00:26:06,863
She said her boyfriend
was behind it.
561
00:26:06,932 --> 00:26:09,266
- She was trying to
extricate herself, uh,
562
00:26:09,268 --> 00:26:11,401
From, uh-- from
that relationship.
563
00:26:11,470 --> 00:26:13,872
He'd show up at her house,
she'd refuse to let him in,
564
00:26:13,939 --> 00:26:16,607
And she came to realize
that, uh, the only way
565
00:26:16,675 --> 00:26:20,011
To get rid of him, uh,
was to expose his conspiracy.
566
00:26:20,079 --> 00:26:22,412
So she decided to go to
nassau d.A.'s office
567
00:26:22,481 --> 00:26:24,314
And to come clean.
568
00:26:24,383 --> 00:26:27,317
- The informant said not only
was seemona not involved
569
00:26:27,319 --> 00:26:30,054
In any robberies,
but there were no robberies.
570
00:26:33,092 --> 00:26:36,627
The dramatic 911 calls,
testimony, the evidence,
571
00:26:36,695 --> 00:26:39,563
All of it was faked
to frame her.
572
00:26:39,565 --> 00:26:41,699
- I couldn't say anything else,
but, "wait a minute,
573
00:26:41,701 --> 00:26:43,967
"are you kidding me?
Isn't this what I was saying
574
00:26:44,036 --> 00:26:45,168
"from day one?"
575
00:26:45,237 --> 00:26:47,805
- The informant provided
cell phone records
576
00:26:47,873 --> 00:26:50,040
Linking the three
robbery victims
577
00:26:50,109 --> 00:26:53,511
To the mastermind
of an elaborate plot.
578
00:26:53,579 --> 00:26:57,114
It was not only
the informant's boyfriend,
579
00:26:57,182 --> 00:27:00,517
But the man seemona
had suspected all along,
580
00:27:00,586 --> 00:27:02,186
Jerry ramrattan.
581
00:27:02,254 --> 00:27:03,655
- He resolved to do
whatever he could
582
00:27:03,722 --> 00:27:06,523
To discredit her,
and in jerry's world,
583
00:27:06,525 --> 00:27:10,060
Uh, that was bringing
false charges against her.
584
00:27:10,129 --> 00:27:11,995
And he did it in
a very, very clever and--
585
00:27:11,997 --> 00:27:16,601
And, uh, really masterful way,
uh, to pin these crimes on her.
586
00:27:16,669 --> 00:27:19,870
- All three so-called
victims confessed
587
00:27:19,938 --> 00:27:21,872
That the entire thing
was a hoax,
588
00:27:21,940 --> 00:27:23,942
And said
jerry was behind it.
589
00:27:24,009 --> 00:27:27,812
They all pleaded guilty
to perjury and went to jail.
590
00:27:27,880 --> 00:27:30,814
Nassau county prosecutors
had to admit they were wrong
591
00:27:30,883 --> 00:27:33,884
About seemona.
They dropped the charges
592
00:27:33,886 --> 00:27:35,952
And released her.
- It was just...
593
00:27:36,021 --> 00:27:38,956
A moment.
Unbelievable.
594
00:27:38,958 --> 00:27:42,159
I had to pinch myself, like,
I'm really, literally out.
595
00:27:42,227 --> 00:27:46,830
- Seemona was finally free.
But she had paid a heavy price.
596
00:27:46,832 --> 00:27:48,799
She'd been separated
from her young daughter
597
00:27:48,868 --> 00:27:50,635
For seven long months.
598
00:27:50,703 --> 00:27:52,370
How often did you get
to see your daughter?
599
00:27:52,438 --> 00:27:55,974
- I had refused to.
Having her come there,
600
00:27:56,041 --> 00:28:00,444
I got arrested in may,
the whole summer went by,
601
00:28:00,512 --> 00:28:02,045
Never seen her.
602
00:28:02,047 --> 00:28:05,984
And just before the week
of school in September,
603
00:28:06,051 --> 00:28:11,254
Is when I asked her dad
to bring her.
604
00:28:11,323 --> 00:28:14,925
And I tried to explain
everything to her in an hour.
605
00:28:14,994 --> 00:28:18,395
About how she shouldn't
worry about anything.
606
00:28:18,464 --> 00:28:20,264
- What was that like?
[sighing]
607
00:28:20,332 --> 00:28:22,000
- That was the worst.
608
00:28:22,067 --> 00:28:26,069
- Now, everything circled
back to jerry ramrattan.
609
00:28:26,138 --> 00:28:29,506
He was arrested again,
and charged with conspiracy.
610
00:28:29,576 --> 00:28:33,543
This time, he went to jail
to stay, and most significant,
611
00:28:33,612 --> 00:28:36,079
All the charges against him
were combined,
612
00:28:36,148 --> 00:28:39,382
So that he would be tried
for both conspiracy and rape
613
00:28:39,451 --> 00:28:41,284
In front of one jury.
614
00:28:41,353 --> 00:28:43,420
- Jerry, see why this
looks really bad?
615
00:28:43,422 --> 00:28:46,024
You're accused
of rape by seemona,
616
00:28:46,091 --> 00:28:48,425
Seemona suddenly
ends up in jail
617
00:28:48,494 --> 00:28:49,826
Accused of armed robbery.
618
00:28:49,895 --> 00:28:52,028
So three people
that claim she did it
619
00:28:52,097 --> 00:28:55,432
All were related to you.
- They're not all related to me.
620
00:28:55,501 --> 00:28:57,635
And I trust
the justice system,
621
00:28:57,703 --> 00:29:00,303
Even though I was
done injustice,
622
00:29:00,372 --> 00:29:02,506
I guarantee you,
the truth will come out.
623
00:29:02,508 --> 00:29:05,042
- Jerry maintained
his innocence.
624
00:29:05,044 --> 00:29:06,243
The case for the defense?
625
00:29:06,245 --> 00:29:08,879
Those witnesses
were lying.
626
00:29:10,716 --> 00:29:12,182
- They lied about everything,
627
00:29:12,251 --> 00:29:14,452
But it just takes
any one juror to say
628
00:29:14,520 --> 00:29:16,687
"I don't believe
these people."
629
00:29:16,756 --> 00:29:19,924
- When "dateline:
Secrets uncovered" continues.
630
00:29:23,128 --> 00:29:28,465
♪♪
631
00:29:28,467 --> 00:29:31,535
- The love between
seemona sumasar
632
00:29:31,603 --> 00:29:34,404
And jerry ramrattan
had long since been replaced
633
00:29:34,473 --> 00:29:37,407
By bitterness.
Was she in love with you?
634
00:29:37,476 --> 00:29:39,010
- I-- I believe so.
635
00:29:39,077 --> 00:29:41,645
So how did love
turn into hate like this?
636
00:29:44,416 --> 00:29:47,617
Money's a dangerous
commodity.
637
00:29:47,619 --> 00:29:49,486
- He is a sociopath.
638
00:29:49,555 --> 00:29:52,823
I don't believe he would
stop at anything
639
00:29:52,825 --> 00:29:54,558
To get what he wants.
640
00:29:54,626 --> 00:29:58,495
- In November of 2011,
the most intimate secrets
641
00:29:58,564 --> 00:30:00,631
And grievances of
the relationship
642
00:30:00,699 --> 00:30:03,200
Played out in court
at jerry's trial
643
00:30:03,268 --> 00:30:07,504
For rape and conspiracy.
The prosecution set the tone,
644
00:30:07,573 --> 00:30:10,574
Calling jerry a liar
and manipulator,
645
00:30:10,642 --> 00:30:13,443
Used to getting his way
until seemona forced him
646
00:30:13,512 --> 00:30:17,581
Out of her business,
her house, and her heart.
647
00:30:17,583 --> 00:30:19,649
- This time, he was gonna
have to leave with his tail
648
00:30:19,718 --> 00:30:21,885
Between his legs, uh--
that was something that,
649
00:30:21,887 --> 00:30:24,120
You know, he just
could not allow to happen.
650
00:30:24,189 --> 00:30:26,056
I think he became
extraordinarily angry,
651
00:30:26,058 --> 00:30:28,793
And-and that's when he decided
he was going to rape her.
652
00:30:28,861 --> 00:30:31,996
- Seemona took the stand
and described the events
653
00:30:32,064 --> 00:30:34,598
Of March 8th, 2009:
654
00:30:34,666 --> 00:30:37,267
Hours of captivity
in her own bedroom
655
00:30:37,269 --> 00:30:39,469
Followed by a brutal rape.
656
00:30:39,538 --> 00:30:41,304
That must have been hard.
- It was.
657
00:30:41,373 --> 00:30:44,407
I went in there
not knowing what to expect.
658
00:30:44,476 --> 00:30:45,675
I also reminded myself
659
00:30:45,744 --> 00:30:47,210
That I didn't have anything
to worry about,
660
00:30:47,279 --> 00:30:48,812
Because I didn't need to lie
about anything.
661
00:30:48,881 --> 00:30:51,281
- She relived
the relationship with jerry
662
00:30:51,283 --> 00:30:52,482
On that witness stand,
663
00:30:52,551 --> 00:30:55,018
And she relived
her ordeal with jerry
664
00:30:55,087 --> 00:30:56,154
On that witness stand,
665
00:30:56,221 --> 00:30:59,889
And I thought every moment
of her examination
666
00:30:59,959 --> 00:31:02,425
Rang true
and was very powerful.
667
00:31:02,494 --> 00:31:04,094
- The prosecution
told the jury
668
00:31:04,162 --> 00:31:06,564
That seemona's body
was a crime scene.
669
00:31:06,632 --> 00:31:09,566
Semen recovered during
her sexual assault exam
670
00:31:09,568 --> 00:31:11,701
Contained jerry's dna.
671
00:31:11,770 --> 00:31:14,304
And there was evidence
of a gential laceration.
672
00:31:14,373 --> 00:31:17,174
- Most women who are raped,
there are no injuries.
673
00:31:17,176 --> 00:31:20,176
If there is injury, um,
that is indicative
674
00:31:20,245 --> 00:31:22,779
Of a forcible act.
675
00:31:22,781 --> 00:31:26,449
- The report included pictures
of seemona's face and arms.
676
00:31:26,518 --> 00:31:28,719
- There are duct tape marks
consistent with
677
00:31:28,787 --> 00:31:31,389
Duct tape having been
placed around her wrists.
678
00:31:31,456 --> 00:31:33,724
- Prosecutor degaetano
also had evidence
679
00:31:33,792 --> 00:31:36,594
That jerry's fingerprint
was on a roll of duct tape
680
00:31:36,662 --> 00:31:38,196
Recovered
from the house.
681
00:31:38,263 --> 00:31:40,797
- Collectively, you know,
the evidence was overwhelming
682
00:31:40,866 --> 00:31:42,933
And really supported
her account.
683
00:31:43,001 --> 00:31:46,536
- Next, the jury heard about
a fake robbery plot
684
00:31:46,538 --> 00:31:50,474
As intricate as an episode
of "csi" or "law & order,"
685
00:31:50,542 --> 00:31:52,409
Jerry's favorite
crime dramas.
686
00:31:52,477 --> 00:31:55,680
The prosecution said
it was brilliantly conceived,
687
00:31:55,747 --> 00:31:59,216
Not by a real cop as jerry
claimed he once was,
688
00:31:59,218 --> 00:32:02,086
But by a detective wannabe,
who it turns out
689
00:32:02,154 --> 00:32:05,489
Had once been convicted
for robbery himself.
690
00:32:05,491 --> 00:32:08,692
- I did know early on that
he was not a police officer.
691
00:32:08,760 --> 00:32:10,560
He had a felony record,
692
00:32:10,562 --> 00:32:12,763
So he could not have been
a police officer.
693
00:32:12,831 --> 00:32:16,433
- The prosecution called
the three so-called victims
694
00:32:16,435 --> 00:32:19,036
Who had accused seemona
of armed robbery.
695
00:32:19,104 --> 00:32:23,040
[indistinct voice on phone]
696
00:32:23,108 --> 00:32:26,309
- Even luz johnson,
whose dramatic 9-1-1 call
697
00:32:26,378 --> 00:32:27,578
Seemed so real,
698
00:32:27,646 --> 00:32:30,046
Now said she was
simply reciting a script
699
00:32:30,115 --> 00:32:32,917
Elaborately written
by jerry.
700
00:32:32,985 --> 00:32:34,252
- He knew police procedure.
701
00:32:34,319 --> 00:32:36,853
He knew how these investigations
were conducted.
702
00:32:36,922 --> 00:32:39,389
And he made use of it,
and he was very detailed
703
00:32:39,391 --> 00:32:42,592
In the scrip that he gave
to each of the three victims.
704
00:32:42,594 --> 00:32:44,194
- The prosecution had painted
705
00:32:44,196 --> 00:32:46,730
An ugly picture
of jerry ramrattan,
706
00:32:46,798 --> 00:32:49,799
A rapist and schemer
without conscience.
707
00:32:49,801 --> 00:32:52,003
- I was shocked.
I can't believe
708
00:32:52,070 --> 00:32:54,204
That someone would sit there
and create a story like this.
709
00:32:54,272 --> 00:32:56,473
Look at the sloppy police work
that was done on my case,
710
00:32:56,541 --> 00:32:59,142
The evidence that
they produced at trial.
711
00:32:59,211 --> 00:33:02,078
- Now it was
the defense's turn.
712
00:33:02,147 --> 00:33:05,349
Jerry's lawyer, frank kelly,
challenged seemona
713
00:33:05,417 --> 00:33:08,019
And her story of being held
captive for hours
714
00:33:08,086 --> 00:33:09,619
Before being raped.
715
00:33:09,688 --> 00:33:11,421
- I thought it was
just ridiculous that--
716
00:33:11,423 --> 00:33:13,957
That my client would be there
for hours and hours,
717
00:33:14,025 --> 00:33:16,027
Ordering chinese food,
and, uh,
718
00:33:16,094 --> 00:33:17,862
Repeating the same thing
over and over,
719
00:33:17,929 --> 00:33:19,429
"can I stay?
Can I stay?
720
00:33:19,498 --> 00:33:21,298
"please don't tell the police
after I leave."
721
00:33:21,300 --> 00:33:22,565
And it was
just ridiculous.
722
00:33:22,634 --> 00:33:25,235
- Kelly ripped into
the fingerprint evidence,
723
00:33:25,304 --> 00:33:27,137
Arguing that
the one print found
724
00:33:27,205 --> 00:33:29,039
Was on a roll
of duct tape,
725
00:33:29,107 --> 00:33:32,843
Not on the pieces allegedly used
to bind and gag simona.
726
00:33:32,911 --> 00:33:35,378
- There was no proof that any
of those pieces of duct tape
727
00:33:35,447 --> 00:33:37,113
Came from that
particular roll.
728
00:33:37,182 --> 00:33:38,314
Of course his fingerprint
was gonna be on
729
00:33:38,383 --> 00:33:40,984
The outside of one,
um, he had placed it there
730
00:33:41,053 --> 00:33:42,786
On the bureau.
- Kelly argued
731
00:33:42,854 --> 00:33:45,321
That the medical evidence
was flimsy, too,
732
00:33:45,390 --> 00:33:47,525
Including the medical
technician's report
733
00:33:47,592 --> 00:33:49,526
Of the genital laceration.
734
00:33:49,595 --> 00:33:50,861
- When he took
a photograph of it,
735
00:33:50,929 --> 00:33:53,329
You couldn't see it.
And he did admit
736
00:33:53,398 --> 00:33:55,999
That even on consensual sex,
you can get such a-
737
00:33:56,001 --> 00:33:57,601
A laceration.
The only thing
738
00:33:57,603 --> 00:33:59,269
I ever saw on
any photograph
739
00:33:59,338 --> 00:34:02,539
Was one line across
one of her, uh, forearms,
740
00:34:02,607 --> 00:34:05,275
But I couldn't tell you
that was from duct tape.
741
00:34:05,344 --> 00:34:08,011
- Kelly dismissed
the conspiracy charge,
742
00:34:08,013 --> 00:34:09,813
Telling the jury
that part of the case
743
00:34:09,881 --> 00:34:11,915
Was built entirely
on the testimony
744
00:34:11,984 --> 00:34:15,152
Of confessed liars.
- These are lowlifes.
745
00:34:15,220 --> 00:34:16,820
They lied about
everything,
746
00:34:16,888 --> 00:34:19,355
But it just takes
any one juror to say
747
00:34:19,424 --> 00:34:22,625
"I don't believe these people,
they are convicted perjurors,
748
00:34:22,694 --> 00:34:24,761
"I don't believe
seemona sumasar because
749
00:34:24,830 --> 00:34:26,830
"she was in financial
difficulties,
750
00:34:26,898 --> 00:34:28,431
"and she won't even
admit that."
751
00:34:28,433 --> 00:34:30,367
- In the end,
the defense asserted
752
00:34:30,436 --> 00:34:32,969
The case was really
all about seemona,
753
00:34:33,038 --> 00:34:35,305
A woman in deep
financial trouble
754
00:34:35,307 --> 00:34:38,842
Who turned against a man
who loved and supported her,
755
00:34:38,910 --> 00:34:40,977
Framing him in
a desperate effort
756
00:34:40,979 --> 00:34:44,248
To get her restaurant back.
In a dramatic moment,
757
00:34:44,250 --> 00:34:46,916
Kelly presented
a bill of sale in court,
758
00:34:46,985 --> 00:34:50,187
Showing seemona had sold
the golden crust to jerry
759
00:34:50,189 --> 00:34:52,522
For $120,000.
760
00:34:52,591 --> 00:34:55,925
- When I actually
saw that document,
761
00:34:55,994 --> 00:34:58,862
I-I thought
he really lost his mind.
762
00:34:58,930 --> 00:34:59,796
- That's your
signature there.
763
00:34:59,798 --> 00:35:00,864
- And--
- and it says you sold
764
00:35:00,932 --> 00:35:02,665
The restaurant
for $120,000.
765
00:35:02,734 --> 00:35:04,268
- Um, I have to tell you
that that signature
766
00:35:04,336 --> 00:35:06,670
Looks exactly
like my signature.
767
00:35:06,738 --> 00:35:10,473
But I never signed that.
And I never sold my business.
768
00:35:10,475 --> 00:35:15,078
And he doesn't have $120,
much less $120,000 to give me.
769
00:35:15,147 --> 00:35:17,580
- Jerry did not
take the stand,
770
00:35:17,582 --> 00:35:20,116
And the defense
called no witnesses.
771
00:35:20,185 --> 00:35:21,751
- There's nothing
to gain out of that.
772
00:35:21,820 --> 00:35:24,688
They didn't prove their case
beyond a reasonable doubt.
773
00:35:24,756 --> 00:35:26,155
I thought the juries
would come back
774
00:35:26,225 --> 00:35:28,159
With a "not guilty"
verdict.
775
00:35:28,226 --> 00:35:31,828
- After a three-week trial,
it was over.
776
00:35:31,897 --> 00:35:34,298
Jerry's future--
and seemona's too--
777
00:35:34,366 --> 00:35:36,466
Were now in the hands
of a jury.
778
00:35:38,904 --> 00:35:41,271
- A tough task
for jurors.
779
00:35:41,273 --> 00:35:43,240
- Once a case gets into
the hands of the jury,
780
00:35:43,308 --> 00:35:45,442
You never know
what's going to happen.
781
00:35:45,444 --> 00:35:48,512
- When "dateline:
Secrets uncovered" continues.
782
00:35:58,122 --> 00:36:01,224
- For seemona sumasar,
it had been an exhausting
783
00:36:01,293 --> 00:36:03,126
And emotional three weeks.
784
00:36:03,195 --> 00:36:06,262
The trial of her ex-boyfriend,
jerry ramrattan,
785
00:36:06,331 --> 00:36:09,332
Had taken her back to
the worst days of her life.
786
00:36:09,334 --> 00:36:11,001
- I can't believe
that it's my life.
787
00:36:11,069 --> 00:36:13,804
It's something that should
really be in a lifetime movie.
788
00:36:13,872 --> 00:36:15,939
Even that's a little-
little bit too much.
789
00:36:16,007 --> 00:36:19,142
- And now that the case was
in the hands of the jury,
790
00:36:19,211 --> 00:36:22,011
Seemona and prosecutor
frank degaetano
791
00:36:22,080 --> 00:36:24,482
Were on edge.
- I'm never confident.
792
00:36:24,549 --> 00:36:26,683
Once the case gets into
the hands of the jury,
793
00:36:26,685 --> 00:36:29,085
You never know
what's going to happen.
794
00:36:29,087 --> 00:36:31,087
- When deliberations
got underway,
795
00:36:31,156 --> 00:36:33,022
The jury was divided.
796
00:36:33,091 --> 00:36:35,091
Tell me what the deliberations
were like.
797
00:36:35,093 --> 00:36:36,559
- I mean, at first, um,
798
00:36:36,628 --> 00:36:40,697
You know, it seemed
like it was gonna be
799
00:36:40,699 --> 00:36:43,566
More like a hung jury.
- We spoke to five
800
00:36:43,635 --> 00:36:44,902
Of the jurors.
801
00:36:44,970 --> 00:36:46,504
So how many holdouts
were there?
802
00:36:46,571 --> 00:36:50,641
- I'd say we probably
started with three.
803
00:36:50,709 --> 00:36:52,375
- Three people leaning
towards acquittal.
804
00:36:52,444 --> 00:36:55,044
- Right.
- What about seemona?
805
00:36:55,114 --> 00:36:58,448
What were your thoughts
as you looked out at her?
806
00:36:58,516 --> 00:37:01,185
- Strong woman.
- That's-that's--
807
00:37:01,253 --> 00:37:02,518
I was gonna
say that, exactly.
808
00:37:02,587 --> 00:37:04,721
She is a strong woman.
809
00:37:04,789 --> 00:37:07,657
- You could see the emotion
when she spoke,
810
00:37:07,726 --> 00:37:09,392
The tendons
and everything,
811
00:37:09,461 --> 00:37:12,729
When she was reliving it
in that moment.
812
00:37:12,731 --> 00:37:14,998
- This is gonna be hard to
try to figure all this out,
813
00:37:15,066 --> 00:37:17,133
Because there was so many
different things
814
00:37:17,135 --> 00:37:18,868
And so many
contradictions.
815
00:37:18,870 --> 00:37:21,071
- The people versus
jerry ramrattan...
816
00:37:21,139 --> 00:37:23,940
- The jurors struggled
for ten long hours
817
00:37:23,942 --> 00:37:25,808
Before reaching a verdict.
818
00:37:25,877 --> 00:37:27,677
- Madame foreperson,
819
00:37:27,746 --> 00:37:29,946
As to count one,
rape in the first degree,
820
00:37:30,015 --> 00:37:31,881
What is your verdict?
- Guilty.
821
00:37:31,950 --> 00:37:35,285
- Jerry ramrattan,
guilty of rape.
822
00:37:35,287 --> 00:37:37,621
- Guilty.
- And guilty of a conspiracy
823
00:37:37,689 --> 00:37:40,023
That landed seemona
in jail.
824
00:37:40,091 --> 00:37:41,291
- As to count eleven,
825
00:37:41,293 --> 00:37:43,760
Falsely reporting an incident
in the third degree,
826
00:37:43,829 --> 00:37:45,629
What is your verdict?
- Guilty.
827
00:37:45,697 --> 00:37:49,366
- The jury convicted him
on eleven counts in all.
828
00:37:49,434 --> 00:37:50,900
- I only heard
the rape charge,
829
00:37:50,969 --> 00:37:53,303
Because in my mind,
ultimately,
830
00:37:53,371 --> 00:37:55,572
That's all they needed
to convict him for.
831
00:37:55,574 --> 00:37:57,507
- Can you step outside this
far enough to say
832
00:37:57,576 --> 00:37:58,908
That if I'm on the jury,
833
00:37:58,910 --> 00:38:00,510
And I'm hearing
what this jury heard,
834
00:38:00,578 --> 00:38:02,912
This was a pretty easy
slam dunk conviction.
835
00:38:02,981 --> 00:38:06,115
- No. It wasn't.
The sloppy police work,
836
00:38:06,184 --> 00:38:10,253
Her story?
They went on emotions
837
00:38:10,321 --> 00:38:12,255
More than actual
physical evidence.
838
00:38:12,257 --> 00:38:14,657
- In the end,
it was still a case
839
00:38:14,659 --> 00:38:16,592
Of he-said-she-said,
840
00:38:16,661 --> 00:38:20,731
And the jury had little trouble
deciding who to believe.
841
00:38:20,799 --> 00:38:22,465
- What do you think
about jerry now?
842
00:38:22,534 --> 00:38:24,667
- In many respects, I just--
I felt really sad
843
00:38:24,736 --> 00:38:26,470
And sorry for him,
because, um,
844
00:38:26,538 --> 00:38:28,337
He was a flawed
individual.
845
00:38:28,407 --> 00:38:30,406
- He did nothing
but smirk
846
00:38:30,475 --> 00:38:33,143
And make faces
and mouthed words
847
00:38:33,211 --> 00:38:36,946
And very exaggerated
facial gestures,
848
00:38:37,015 --> 00:38:40,484
Um, very smug.
Big turnoff.
849
00:38:40,552 --> 00:38:42,819
- He-he is that bee
that has honey in the--
850
00:38:42,887 --> 00:38:43,820
His mouth.
851
00:38:43,889 --> 00:38:45,322
But he has a sting
in his teeth.
852
00:38:47,626 --> 00:38:49,859
- And that sting
nearly destroyed
853
00:38:49,861 --> 00:38:53,096
Seemona sumasar's life.
- Seemona sumasar.
854
00:38:53,164 --> 00:38:54,297
- At the sentencing,
855
00:38:54,299 --> 00:38:56,634
Seemona was given a chance
to address the court.
856
00:38:56,701 --> 00:39:00,970
But instead, she spoke
straight to jerry.
857
00:39:00,972 --> 00:39:02,839
- You made sure that
I was left with nothing
858
00:39:02,841 --> 00:39:04,040
When you were done.
859
00:39:04,109 --> 00:39:07,577
Because you're evil.
Ev-- you're just--
860
00:39:07,646 --> 00:39:09,046
I do-I don't even
have words for you.
861
00:39:09,114 --> 00:39:10,648
I don't.
862
00:39:10,715 --> 00:39:12,650
But I know that
you're pro-evil,
863
00:39:12,717 --> 00:39:15,151
And you're a sociopath,
and you need help.
864
00:39:15,221 --> 00:39:19,389
And I hope that you take
and use your time wisely
865
00:39:19,391 --> 00:39:23,192
To get the help you need.
- When jerry got his turn,
866
00:39:23,261 --> 00:39:25,329
He refused to take
responsibility
867
00:39:25,397 --> 00:39:27,797
For his crimes.
- It's fine.
868
00:39:27,799 --> 00:39:30,133
You know, whatever has to happen
to today has to happen.
869
00:39:30,201 --> 00:39:32,201
I just know we're done
and over with.
870
00:39:32,270 --> 00:39:35,939
I maintain my innocence,
and there's more to come.
871
00:39:35,941 --> 00:39:37,273
It's not done.
872
00:39:37,342 --> 00:39:38,941
- As he delivered
the sentence,
873
00:39:39,010 --> 00:39:42,345
Judge richard buchter
said jerry deserved no mercy.
874
00:39:42,413 --> 00:39:44,280
- The evidence
showed him to be
875
00:39:44,349 --> 00:39:46,415
A violent rapist,
876
00:39:46,485 --> 00:39:49,887
An evil and
vindictive schemer.
877
00:39:49,954 --> 00:39:54,757
A sinister manipulator,
a diabolical conniver.
878
00:39:54,826 --> 00:39:57,160
A man who coldheartedly
endeavored to destroy
879
00:39:57,228 --> 00:40:00,163
An innocent victim,
880
00:40:00,231 --> 00:40:03,833
Who he himself
had abused and raped.
881
00:40:03,902 --> 00:40:06,903
- The judge sentenced
jerry ramrattan
882
00:40:06,971 --> 00:40:09,038
To 33 years in prison.
883
00:40:09,040 --> 00:40:13,377
He will not be eligible
for parole until 2032.
884
00:40:13,445 --> 00:40:15,978
From behind bars,
jerry still insists
885
00:40:16,047 --> 00:40:18,381
He's an innocent man,
and puts the blame
886
00:40:18,449 --> 00:40:21,918
On seemona and his three
co-conspirators.
887
00:40:21,987 --> 00:40:23,453
- We spoke to
some of the jurors.
888
00:40:23,521 --> 00:40:24,455
- Mhm.
- And they said
889
00:40:24,522 --> 00:40:26,857
They really believed seemona.
- Mhm.
890
00:40:26,925 --> 00:40:29,192
- She was lying,
in your view.
891
00:40:29,260 --> 00:40:31,928
- Yeah.
I was shocked.
892
00:40:31,997 --> 00:40:33,730
- Did you ask any
of these three people
893
00:40:33,732 --> 00:40:36,933
To concoct a story of
seemona robbing them?
894
00:40:36,935 --> 00:40:39,602
- No.
- They're bold-faced liars.
895
00:40:39,671 --> 00:40:41,939
- Oh yeah,
and I'm sure in due time,
896
00:40:42,006 --> 00:40:43,140
A lot more stuff
is gonna come out
897
00:40:43,208 --> 00:40:44,742
About all of them.
- Everyone's lying,
898
00:40:44,809 --> 00:40:46,409
You're the only one
telling the truth here.
899
00:40:46,477 --> 00:40:49,879
- Well, it doesn't matter
what I say.
900
00:40:49,881 --> 00:40:52,015
Because I'm-I'm
the fall guy right now.
901
00:40:52,017 --> 00:40:52,949
- I still think that
902
00:40:53,017 --> 00:40:56,085
He believes in half
of the lies that he told,
903
00:40:56,154 --> 00:40:59,088
And he looks at me
904
00:40:59,090 --> 00:41:02,024
As the person
that did this to him.
905
00:41:02,093 --> 00:41:03,894
I'm not that--
he did this to himself.
906
00:41:07,899 --> 00:41:11,200
- Seemona sumasar was
a victim of two crimes,
907
00:41:11,270 --> 00:41:13,369
But it didn't end there.
908
00:41:13,371 --> 00:41:15,705
During the seven months
she was in jail,
909
00:41:15,774 --> 00:41:17,907
She lost her home,
her business,
910
00:41:17,976 --> 00:41:20,309
And was separated
from her daughter.
911
00:41:20,311 --> 00:41:25,315
And now, she has to build
her life yet again.
912
00:41:25,383 --> 00:41:28,919
The wheels of justice eventually
turn in the right direction.
913
00:41:28,987 --> 00:41:31,854
But it must be hard
to look at yourself
914
00:41:31,923 --> 00:41:34,658
As a winner.
- It is. It is.
915
00:41:34,726 --> 00:41:36,794
He has turned
my life upside-down.
916
00:41:36,861 --> 00:41:38,861
He has took everything
away from me.
917
00:41:38,863 --> 00:41:41,330
Everything that
I sacrificed for,
918
00:41:41,399 --> 00:41:43,734
Everything that
I worked for.
919
00:41:43,801 --> 00:41:46,068
He even took my daughter
away from me.
920
00:41:46,137 --> 00:41:48,404
Up-- turn her life
upside-down.
921
00:41:48,473 --> 00:41:50,673
- Seemona sued
new york city
922
00:41:50,742 --> 00:41:52,675
And two
of its detectives.
923
00:41:52,744 --> 00:41:54,678
She also sued
nassau county
924
00:41:54,746 --> 00:41:56,547
And one
of its detectives.
925
00:41:56,614 --> 00:42:00,950
The city defendents settled
for an undisclosed amount.
926
00:42:01,019 --> 00:42:04,854
After a federal court dismissed
her claims for false arrest,
927
00:42:04,923 --> 00:42:07,724
The county defendents
settled the remaining claims
928
00:42:07,792 --> 00:42:12,028
For $2 million.
- It's literally kafkaesque.
929
00:42:12,097 --> 00:42:14,497
She couldn't have imagined
this having happened to her.
930
00:42:14,499 --> 00:42:17,166
So I-in terms of how
this affected her life,
931
00:42:17,235 --> 00:42:19,168
I mean, you-you
couldn't invent
932
00:42:19,170 --> 00:42:21,704
A worse-a worse
nightmare for her.
933
00:42:21,773 --> 00:42:25,375
- Sometimes the word "victim"
implies someone weak.
934
00:42:25,443 --> 00:42:27,310
- Mhm.
- You do-- how do you
935
00:42:27,378 --> 00:42:29,579
Wrestle with the term "victim"?
How do you see yourself?
936
00:42:29,647 --> 00:42:31,047
- I don't wanna play
the victim role.
937
00:42:31,115 --> 00:42:33,316
I-I'm stronger than that,
I'm better than that.
938
00:42:33,318 --> 00:42:37,254
So you just have to let it go
and say what's done is done,
939
00:42:37,322 --> 00:42:40,123
And just leave it alone.
940
00:42:40,125 --> 00:42:43,859
- That's all for this edition of
"dateline: Secrets uncovered."
941
00:42:43,928 --> 00:42:46,864
I'm craig melvin.
Thank you for watching.
77874
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