California

Brother-in-Law of Ex Massachusetts Governor Found Guilty of Rape, Stalking and Kidnapping

Bernard Sigh will be sentenced on June 24

The brother-in-law of former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has been found guilty of rape, stalking, kidnapping, witness intimidation and other offenses, according to the Norfolk District Attorney's Office.

Bernard Sigh, 67, of Milton, was found guilty of the charges Thursday in Norfolk Superior Court.

He was arrested in December 2017 after a woman told police he hid in a closet in her Milton apartment wearing only underwear. She said he grabbed her, preventing her from leaving.

His attorney had said Sigh shared the apartment with the woman on an alternating basis, had reason to be there and didn't mean to frighten her.

Following his appearance in Quincy District Court that December, Sigh was eventually released on bail, but then placed into custody after he violated probation by contacting the victim in April 2018.

"Despite the added pressure surrounding this case, among other barriers, this victim demonstrated great courage and resolve in pushing through to today’s resolution," Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey said. "Not every sexual assault or domestic violence victim is positioned to endure the burdens our system places on them – this victim deserves our support and gratitude."

Sigh was previously convicted in 1993 after he pleaded guilty to spousal rape in California.

He will be sentenced on June 24. He faces a maximum of 20 years in state prison on the rape convictions and a minimum-mandatory sentence of 1 year for the conviction on stalking due to a violation of a protective order.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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