Closing Arguments Likely In Rape Trial

Closing arguments are expected today in the military trial of a Fairchild Air Force Base security policeman charged with a series of rapes and assaults.

Testimony in the court-martial neared an end Wednesday with witnesses who treated a Spokane Valley woman for an alleged sexual assault last September at Deaconess Medical Center.

The woman, who had been dating Master Sgt. Napolean Bailey, said he beat and raped her in her home. Two other women also reported that Bailey previously had raped or beaten them.

Defense attorneys suggest the women were in consensual sexual relationships with Bailey. They left open the possibility that the 39-year-old defendant could take the stand today.

If not, the case could go to the eight-person jury this morning.

, DataTimes