A New York grand jury has indicted former WABC sportscaster Marvell Scott for allegedly raping a prostitute in 2008, New York County District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., announced Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Scott, 36, faces charges of rape, child endangerment and patronizing a prostitute. According to the indictment, the prostitute was 14 at the time of the alleged assault.
Scott allegedly met with a man in Manhattan June 5, 2008, and paid him to arrange sex with two teenage girls, ages 14 and 16. Shortly after, the girls arrived at Scott's West 47th Street apartment. The charges claim Scott had sex with the 14-year-old in a bedroom while the other girl was present.
Scott turned himself in Tuesday and pleaded not guilty. His lawyer claims the charges are false and that Scott will continue to cooperate with investigators to clear his name.
"This case boils down to an attempt to shake down Dr. Scott by a pimp and his two prostitutes," attorney Richard Portale said. "It was a ruse. They saw him as a mark."
Portale said although the teens were inside Scott's apartment, his client did not have sex with either girl. He said the girls were inside the home because Scott allowed them to use his bathroom.
According a NYPD representative, the 14-year-old was a runaway who was working as a prostitute to make some quick cash.
Scott, a medical doctor, left WABC in April 2009 to focus on his sports medicine practice. He announced he was taking a vacation and never returned to the station.
The charge of rape in the second degree rape is a class-D felony. Patronizing a prostitute and endangering the welfare of a child are misdemeanors.
If convicted, Scott could face up to 8 years in jail.
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