A Charlottesville resident and former Monticello High School varsity basketball player pleaded not guilty to rape in Greene County court last month — but not without first raising suspicion he may have come to court high.
The 22-year-old Jeonte Malik Crenshaw, who was a shooting guard for Monticello before his graduation in 2020, was arrested on May 16 and charged with the rape of a Ruckersville woman in the early morning hours of May 9.
The incident allegedly occurred at the woman’s residence, according to a police report. The woman told authorities she had invited Crenshaw over "just to talk," but he initiated sex. She said she made multiple attempts to stop his advances but Crenshaw would not relent.
Crenshaw appeared in Greene County Circuit Court Nov. 12.
But before he could enter his plea, Commonwealth’s Attorney Win Consolvo told Judge David Barredo he believed Crenshaw may be high.
“It has been brought to my attention that multiple bailiffs smell a strong scent of marijuana on Mr. Crenshaw,” Consolvo told Barredo.
When Barredo told Crenshaw to face the court clerk and raise his right hand to be sworn in, a confused Crenshaw turned toward the window.
“Who enters this plea today,” Barredo asked Crenshaw once he had been reoriented.
“Yes,” answered Crenshaw.
Barredo asked Crenshaw if he had consumed any drugs prior to his appearance in court.
Crenshaw stared at the judge before denying he was on anything.
Crenshaw’s trial is set to begin on March 4. If convicted of rape, he faces five years to life in prison.
Source: www.dailyprogress.com
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