NATION : Rapist Singleton Back in Jail
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TAMPA, Fla. — Lawrence Singleton, who served eight years in prison for raping a California teen-ager and chopping off her forearms, went back to jail today for 60 days after pleading no contest to stealing a $10 camera.
Singleton, who was chased out of several California towns after his release from prison in the highly publicized case, changed his plea from innocent to no contest on the misdemeanor petty theft charge this morning. He continued to deny committing the theft and blamed an overzealous security guard for the charge.
“I don’t think I can get a fair trial,” said Singleton, 62. “I never have.”
The security guard at a store in suburban Brandon spotted him taking a disposable camera from a display on April 8 and heading for the door with it tucked under his arm.
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