Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault

Jury Convicts Norfolk Man of Raping Woman He Met at Bar in 2021

NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk jury on Friday convicted 24-year-old Lachlan Mullins of rape following a 2021 incident in which he forced himself on a woman he had met earlier at a bar.

Mr. Mullins met the victim for the first time the night preceding the June 5, 2021, assault and left the bar with her and several friends, ending up at the victim’s residence with a handful of people. The victim, who was experiencing a blackout, could not remember most of the night but did recall awakening to being in intense pain and her friend screaming at Mr. Mullins. The friend, who later testified before the Norfolk jury, witnessed the rape and the victim pleading with Mr. Mullins to stop.

Mr. Mullins was charged with rape in October 2021. After nearly four hours of deliberation following the three-day jury trial, the jury found Mr. Mullins guilty as charged. His sentencing is docketed for Oct. 16, 2023.

"Our heart is with the victim of Mr. Mullins's crime," said Commonwealth's Attorney Ramin Fatehi. "We are eternally grateful to the victim’s friend, who came forward and supported the victim with the truth. Her testimony proved vital to proving this case, and thanks to her and to the victim Mr. Mullins will be accountable for his crime."

Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Emily A. Woodley and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Quillyn L. Zebedeo led the prosecution of Mr. Mullins' case on behalf of the Commonwealth.

If you have or someone you love has fallen victim to crime, including but not limited to sexual assault, resources are available at the Norfolk Family Justice Center. For more information, please visit norfolkfjc.org, call 757-330-0376 or stop by the NFJC inside the Park Place Multi-Services Center at 606 W. 29th St., between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. If you are in crisis, call the 24/7 hotline by dialing 757-251-0144. In an emergency, please call 911.

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