MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Local businessman Mark Giannini agreed to a plea settlement in a 2013 rape case.
Giannini entered an Alford plea, which means he acknowledges that the state has enough evidence to convict him but still maintains his innocence.
As part of the deal, he pleaded guilty to an aggravated assault charge and sentenced to four years. Two other pending rape charges were thrown out.
“That was part of the agreement today. All the other cases will be dismissed,” defense attorney Steve Farese said.
According to information presented in court, the victim met Giannini in October 2013 and he told her he needed a personal assistant.
Around that time the pair went swimming together and as she was getting ready to leave he asked her to touch him inappropriately. She refused and that’s when he reportedly raped her.
He was originally charged with rape, which meant he was looking at up to 12 years behind bars.
If he violates the terms of his plea deal — which include having no contact with the victim — he will have to serve four years in custody.
The prosecutor said the victim was okay with this deal because she didn’t want to go through the trial and cross examination.
Giannini was found not guilty in a prior rape case in 2017.
“It’s devastated him emotionally and financially. He’s ready to get the whole thing over with,” Farese said.
