Woman testifies about alleged rape in Maui pasture

WAILUKU >> A Maui judge has ruled there’s enough evidence to support sex assault charges against a man whose accuser says she initially lied about the alleged attack.

The 20-year-old Kula woman said in court she that lied about knowing who tied her up and raped her in a Haiku pasture because she was afraid he would come after her and she would get in trouble for using drugs.

The Maui News Opens in a new tab reports that after detoxing from oxycodone she says she told a detective the truth. She testified Wednesday during a preliminary hearing for Philip Robbennolt-O’Connell, who is charged with sexual assault, kidnapping, terroristic threatening and other charges.

She says he promised her pills in exchange for a ride and they ended up in a secluded area.