1 00:00:07,474 --> 00:00:08,708 - I'm craig melvin, 2 00:00:08,776 --> 00:00:11,343 And this is "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 3 00:00:11,411 --> 00:00:13,513 - He has turned my life upside down. 4 00:00:13,580 --> 00:00:15,514 He took everything away from me, 5 00:00:15,583 --> 00:00:17,649 Everything that I sacrificed for, 6 00:00:17,718 --> 00:00:19,051 Everything that I worked for. 7 00:00:19,119 --> 00:00:20,920 He even took my daughter away from me. 8 00:00:20,988 --> 00:00:23,588 - Once, they were so good together. 9 00:00:23,590 --> 00:00:25,424 - How did love turn into hate like this? 10 00:00:25,492 --> 00:00:27,627 - Before that night of violence. 11 00:00:27,694 --> 00:00:29,228 - He drags you down to the basement. 12 00:00:29,296 --> 00:00:30,662 - All the way down. 13 00:00:30,731 --> 00:00:31,864 I'm trying to fight him off. 14 00:00:31,933 --> 00:00:33,865 I can't breathe. 15 00:00:33,934 --> 00:00:36,803 - Then, a twist no one expected. 16 00:00:36,870 --> 00:00:40,138 - They've got three witnesses who identified you in a lineup. 17 00:00:40,207 --> 00:00:41,541 Did you understand that? - Yeah. 18 00:00:41,608 --> 00:00:42,741 I do understand that. 19 00:00:42,810 --> 00:00:45,077 - The alleged victim, accused. 20 00:00:45,145 --> 00:00:48,680 - It's just a terrifying, shocking experience. 21 00:00:48,749 --> 00:00:51,350 - Who did what to whom? 22 00:00:51,352 --> 00:00:54,220 - The evidence showed an evil and vindictive schemer. 23 00:00:54,288 --> 00:00:56,288 A diabolical conniver. 24 00:00:56,356 --> 00:00:59,224 - A frame up that nearly fooled everyone. 25 00:00:59,293 --> 00:01:01,861 - This is gonna be hard, to try and figure all this out. 26 00:01:01,929 --> 00:01:05,030 - You couldn't invent a worse nightmare. 27 00:01:05,099 --> 00:01:08,167 - A confounding case of vengeance. 28 00:01:08,235 --> 00:01:16,375 ♪♪ 29 00:01:16,443 --> 00:01:19,979 - Hello, and welcome to "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 30 00:01:20,047 --> 00:01:24,249 The saying goes that looks can be deceiving. 31 00:01:24,318 --> 00:01:26,518 But love can be, too. 32 00:01:26,587 --> 00:01:29,454 The couple you're about to meet seemed perfect for each other, 33 00:01:29,523 --> 00:01:33,659 At first, but that passion turned into violence. 34 00:01:33,661 --> 00:01:36,662 It set off a chain of events that confounded authorities 35 00:01:36,730 --> 00:01:40,533 Until they discovered a ruthless act of revenge 36 00:01:40,601 --> 00:01:44,669 Rooted in secrets and lies. 37 00:01:44,738 --> 00:01:47,405 Here's lester holt with "vengeance." 38 00:01:48,642 --> 00:01:54,679 ♪♪ 39 00:01:54,748 --> 00:01:57,415 - There are two sides to every breakup, 40 00:01:57,484 --> 00:02:01,386 And if the end is bitter, and anger spins out of control, 41 00:02:02,623 --> 00:02:06,192 A once perfect romance can become a nightmare. 42 00:02:06,259 --> 00:02:08,894 - This story was a crazy case of he said, she said 43 00:02:08,896 --> 00:02:10,696 With a lot of twists and turns, 44 00:02:10,764 --> 00:02:12,731 And it explodes into a story 45 00:02:12,800 --> 00:02:15,101 You couldn't possibly have imagined. 46 00:02:16,904 --> 00:02:20,105 - Seemona sumasar doesn't have to imagine it. 47 00:02:20,107 --> 00:02:21,640 She lived it. 48 00:02:21,709 --> 00:02:24,576 - How did I keep my sanity? How did it happen? 49 00:02:24,645 --> 00:02:26,845 This all happened to me. Me! 50 00:02:26,914 --> 00:02:29,382 A simple, simple person. 51 00:02:32,119 --> 00:02:34,386 - For seemona and jerry ramrattan, 52 00:02:34,454 --> 00:02:37,522 It was a romance that started with so much promise. 53 00:02:37,524 --> 00:02:40,125 She thought he might be the one. 54 00:02:40,193 --> 00:02:42,460 Describe him. - Charming. 55 00:02:42,529 --> 00:02:45,798 Sweet talker, confident, you know. 56 00:02:45,866 --> 00:02:47,465 He could make things happen. 57 00:02:47,534 --> 00:02:50,001 - The couple lived in seemona's four family house 58 00:02:50,070 --> 00:02:53,338 In queens, new york in the shadow of kennedy airport. 59 00:02:53,340 --> 00:02:56,474 Seemona, a 34-year-old immigrant from guyana, 60 00:02:56,543 --> 00:02:59,477 Worked as an analyst for morgan stanley. 61 00:02:59,546 --> 00:03:00,746 - I got into the finance business 62 00:03:00,814 --> 00:03:02,381 At a great time. - Good money? 63 00:03:02,449 --> 00:03:03,615 - Good money. 64 00:03:03,617 --> 00:03:07,018 - She also owned a golden crust restaurant franchise. 65 00:03:07,087 --> 00:03:09,488 She'd start her day working in manhattan 66 00:03:09,490 --> 00:03:12,090 From 5:00 am until 2:00 in the afternoon, 67 00:03:12,159 --> 00:03:15,560 Then she'd commute back to her restaurant in queens, 68 00:03:15,562 --> 00:03:17,697 Where she'd work late into the night. 69 00:03:17,764 --> 00:03:20,366 - And you slept when? - I don't know. 70 00:03:20,434 --> 00:03:23,034 I look back at it, and I don't know. 71 00:03:23,103 --> 00:03:24,769 A few hours here and there. 72 00:03:24,838 --> 00:03:27,172 - Not long after the golden crust opened, 73 00:03:27,241 --> 00:03:29,574 A handsome, confident man walked in 74 00:03:29,643 --> 00:03:31,176 And introduced himself. 75 00:03:31,245 --> 00:03:33,645 It was jerry, and he quickly became 76 00:03:33,714 --> 00:03:35,982 One of seemona's best customers. 77 00:03:36,049 --> 00:03:38,717 - Literally, I would see him almost every day. 78 00:03:38,785 --> 00:03:41,721 He would stop by, just casual conversations. 79 00:03:41,788 --> 00:03:45,457 Talk about his work, him being a detective. 80 00:03:45,526 --> 00:03:49,195 - The 37-year-old jerry said he had once been a police officer 81 00:03:49,263 --> 00:03:52,131 And still had close ties to law enforcement. 82 00:03:52,199 --> 00:03:55,734 Now he worked in security, although his exact job 83 00:03:55,803 --> 00:03:57,469 Was a bit of a mystery. 84 00:03:57,538 --> 00:04:00,472 - He comes along, and literally, everybody was referring to him 85 00:04:00,540 --> 00:04:02,007 As my bodyguard. 86 00:04:02,075 --> 00:04:04,410 They loved the thought that he was around. 87 00:04:04,478 --> 00:04:07,679 - Were you an investigator? - I was a consultant. 88 00:04:07,748 --> 00:04:11,350 I would consult on anything that-- involving security, 89 00:04:11,418 --> 00:04:13,219 Or investigation matters. 90 00:04:13,287 --> 00:04:15,887 - She described you as the perfect guy. 91 00:04:15,957 --> 00:04:17,555 - I did whatever I could at the time, 92 00:04:17,624 --> 00:04:19,091 Whatever I could do to help her. 93 00:04:19,159 --> 00:04:20,426 We did everything, go out to movies, 94 00:04:20,494 --> 00:04:22,293 Family events, everything. 95 00:04:22,363 --> 00:04:25,497 I kept the house clean. I took care of the garbage. 96 00:04:25,566 --> 00:04:27,365 I did all the repairs in the house. 97 00:04:27,434 --> 00:04:28,968 Everyone thought we were married. 98 00:04:29,036 --> 00:04:30,635 Everyone. 99 00:04:30,704 --> 00:04:32,305 - Seemona, a single mother, 100 00:04:32,372 --> 00:04:34,506 Was raising a 12-year-old daughter. 101 00:04:34,574 --> 00:04:36,641 She took to jerry, too. 102 00:04:36,643 --> 00:04:38,210 The romance blossomed. 103 00:04:38,278 --> 00:04:39,779 There was even talk of marriage, 104 00:04:39,846 --> 00:04:43,382 But a call out of the blue changed everything. 105 00:04:43,450 --> 00:04:46,052 A woman on the other end introduced herself 106 00:04:46,119 --> 00:04:48,854 As jerry ramrattan's wife. 107 00:04:48,922 --> 00:04:52,323 - That was a shocker. I doubted her at first. 108 00:04:52,393 --> 00:04:53,658 You can't be serious. 109 00:04:53,727 --> 00:04:55,193 - It got worse. 110 00:04:55,195 --> 00:04:58,863 Not only was jerry married, he also had three children. 111 00:04:58,932 --> 00:05:00,732 Seemona confronted him. 112 00:05:00,801 --> 00:05:02,934 - At first, he denied it. 113 00:05:03,003 --> 00:05:06,538 Finally, he tells me that it's true, 114 00:05:06,540 --> 00:05:09,274 And-- but it's not what it seems. 115 00:05:09,343 --> 00:05:12,944 The marriage was arranged by family 116 00:05:13,013 --> 00:05:14,614 For a green card. 117 00:05:14,681 --> 00:05:17,816 - So, what did you do with that explanation? 118 00:05:17,885 --> 00:05:20,019 - I-I didn't-- I didn't believe it. 119 00:05:20,087 --> 00:05:22,354 How do I trust anything that you say? 120 00:05:22,356 --> 00:05:23,488 - How did you explain that, 121 00:05:23,490 --> 00:05:25,090 "I have a wife but I'm with you." 122 00:05:25,158 --> 00:05:27,092 - I explained to her that before I met her 123 00:05:27,094 --> 00:05:29,227 I was separated from my wife. 124 00:05:29,296 --> 00:05:31,096 Which was true. My wife was living in brooklyn. 125 00:05:31,098 --> 00:05:32,297 I was living in queens. 126 00:05:32,299 --> 00:05:33,231 She was upset about it, 127 00:05:33,300 --> 00:05:35,433 But she never ended the relationship. 128 00:05:35,502 --> 00:05:37,970 - But it was the beginning of the end. 129 00:05:38,038 --> 00:05:40,572 Seemona banished jerry to the basement, 130 00:05:40,574 --> 00:05:42,640 And then finally told him to leave her house 131 00:05:42,709 --> 00:05:45,177 By February 20, 2009. 132 00:05:45,245 --> 00:05:48,213 But more than two weeks after the deadline, 133 00:05:48,282 --> 00:05:50,849 Jerry was still there. 134 00:05:50,851 --> 00:05:52,851 - He was talking about the relationship 135 00:05:52,919 --> 00:05:55,053 Like it still existed, 136 00:05:55,122 --> 00:05:57,455 And I kept on saying to him, 137 00:05:57,524 --> 00:06:00,859 "jerry, you have to leave. We're not together." 138 00:06:00,927 --> 00:06:03,395 - They started arguing, but this time, 139 00:06:03,463 --> 00:06:07,065 Seemona says it took a dark turn into strange 140 00:06:07,134 --> 00:06:09,134 And ominous territory. 141 00:06:09,136 --> 00:06:12,670 - He got my hands behind me. 142 00:06:12,739 --> 00:06:15,807 Next thing, I'm hearing duct tape unrolled. 143 00:06:15,809 --> 00:06:19,145 - Seemona says jerry jammed his knee into her back, 144 00:06:19,212 --> 00:06:21,947 Pushed her face down onto her bed, 145 00:06:21,949 --> 00:06:24,549 And quickly taped her wrists together. 146 00:06:24,618 --> 00:06:27,218 But she says jerry was strangely calm. 147 00:06:27,287 --> 00:06:29,287 He let her sit up in bed and acted like 148 00:06:29,289 --> 00:06:32,191 It was just another lazy Sunday at home. 149 00:06:32,259 --> 00:06:35,694 He watched tv, ordered chinese food, 150 00:06:35,696 --> 00:06:38,763 And incredibly, tried to win her back. 151 00:06:38,765 --> 00:06:40,365 - You have me right now duct taped, 152 00:06:40,367 --> 00:06:42,634 And you're having a conversation with me? Are you-- 153 00:06:42,702 --> 00:06:43,902 Have you lost your mind? 154 00:06:43,971 --> 00:06:45,303 I just let him have it. 155 00:06:45,372 --> 00:06:47,640 And I called him every named I could possibly call him. 156 00:06:47,707 --> 00:06:50,042 - For a moment, jerry seemed to lose it. 157 00:06:50,110 --> 00:06:52,110 Seemona says he started crying, 158 00:06:52,112 --> 00:06:54,379 Pulled a gun out of his waistband, 159 00:06:54,447 --> 00:06:57,383 And put the barrel against his own head. 160 00:06:57,451 --> 00:06:59,851 - I said, "listen, if you want to kill yourself, 161 00:06:59,853 --> 00:07:01,186 "don't do it in my house. 162 00:07:01,254 --> 00:07:02,988 "don't do it in my house." 163 00:07:03,056 --> 00:07:07,093 And, in no time, he was back to normal again. 164 00:07:08,228 --> 00:07:10,429 - The bizarre scene played out for hours. 165 00:07:10,497 --> 00:07:13,798 Seemona said she thought it was jerry's dramatic parting shot, 166 00:07:13,867 --> 00:07:16,401 But when she tried to get up from the bed, 167 00:07:16,403 --> 00:07:18,102 She says he snapped. 168 00:07:18,171 --> 00:07:21,206 - Just when he-- just grabbed me with one arm and just-- 169 00:07:21,274 --> 00:07:23,542 Just pulled me right-- right down the stairs. 170 00:07:23,610 --> 00:07:25,076 - How big a man is he? 171 00:07:25,145 --> 00:07:28,413 - He's 6'4", more than 200 pounds. 172 00:07:28,481 --> 00:07:30,548 - And forgive me, but how big are you? 173 00:07:30,617 --> 00:07:33,018 - 110 pounds, 5-- 5'1". 174 00:07:33,086 --> 00:07:35,154 And I was duct taped, so I couldn't control 175 00:07:35,222 --> 00:07:37,088 What was going on, really, much. 176 00:07:37,090 --> 00:07:38,423 - He drags you down to the basement. 177 00:07:38,491 --> 00:07:39,557 - All the way down. 178 00:07:39,626 --> 00:07:42,227 - Seemona says she was lying on the basement floor 179 00:07:42,229 --> 00:07:45,029 When jerry wrapped duct tape around her legs. 180 00:07:45,098 --> 00:07:47,299 - He didn't utter a word. 181 00:07:47,367 --> 00:07:50,368 He just took all his clothes off, 182 00:07:50,370 --> 00:07:52,104 Untied my robe. 183 00:07:52,172 --> 00:07:56,374 Took off my underwear, and that was that. 184 00:07:56,443 --> 00:07:57,709 - He rapes you. - Yes. 185 00:07:57,778 --> 00:07:59,511 - And... 186 00:07:59,579 --> 00:08:01,312 You're powerless to resist it? 187 00:08:01,381 --> 00:08:02,780 - Yeah. 188 00:08:02,849 --> 00:08:06,050 And I'm trying to fight him off, 189 00:08:06,119 --> 00:08:07,252 But I can't. 190 00:08:07,254 --> 00:08:10,189 I can't breathe, and, um... 191 00:08:10,257 --> 00:08:13,124 I really felt like I was gonna pass out. 192 00:08:13,126 --> 00:08:15,794 He started to cry again, 193 00:08:15,796 --> 00:08:19,497 And apologized, that he didn't mean 194 00:08:19,566 --> 00:08:22,066 To do this, and he hopes that, you know, 195 00:08:22,135 --> 00:08:25,871 I don't-- I don't report it. 196 00:08:26,740 --> 00:08:29,140 The last thing I think I said to him was, 197 00:08:29,142 --> 00:08:31,142 "you should have just used the gun. 198 00:08:31,211 --> 00:08:32,944 "why didn't you?" 199 00:08:33,013 --> 00:08:34,946 - Jerry didn't answer. 200 00:08:35,015 --> 00:08:37,815 He simply grabbed his things and left. 201 00:08:37,884 --> 00:08:39,718 Seemona called 911. 202 00:08:48,895 --> 00:08:52,096 Jerry ramrattan was arrested and charged with rape. 203 00:08:52,165 --> 00:08:54,899 He emphatically denied every detail 204 00:08:54,901 --> 00:08:56,968 Of seemona's accusation. 205 00:08:57,037 --> 00:08:59,238 She said she had been bound, 206 00:08:59,306 --> 00:09:01,773 Dragged downstairs, and raped. 207 00:09:01,841 --> 00:09:05,310 Not just any rape, hours of-of emotional torture 208 00:09:05,378 --> 00:09:07,979 And forcibly penetrated. 209 00:09:07,981 --> 00:09:10,581 - I never touched someone. - You did have sex that night. 210 00:09:10,651 --> 00:09:12,383 - Yes. - In the bedroom? 211 00:09:12,452 --> 00:09:13,852 - Yes. - Not downstairs? 212 00:09:13,921 --> 00:09:15,253 - No. 213 00:09:15,322 --> 00:09:17,388 - Consensual sex? - Sure. 214 00:09:17,457 --> 00:09:19,190 We were having sex all the time. 215 00:09:19,259 --> 00:09:20,992 It was never rape. 216 00:09:20,994 --> 00:09:24,195 - And with that, a bitter he said, she said case 217 00:09:24,264 --> 00:09:27,398 Was unleashed, one that would land both jerry 218 00:09:27,467 --> 00:09:30,802 And seemona on the wrong side of the law. 219 00:09:33,073 --> 00:09:34,205 Coming up... 220 00:09:34,274 --> 00:09:35,640 - I was-- I was-- 221 00:09:35,709 --> 00:09:39,744 - A disturbing 911 call, a string of armed robberies, 222 00:09:39,813 --> 00:09:42,213 And an astonishing twist. 223 00:09:42,281 --> 00:09:43,816 - I was asked to step out of the car, 224 00:09:43,883 --> 00:09:45,884 Handcuffs was placed on me... 225 00:09:45,952 --> 00:09:48,886 - Was jerry's accuser the real criminal? 226 00:09:48,955 --> 00:09:52,091 When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 227 00:09:55,094 --> 00:10:02,100 ♪♪ 228 00:10:02,169 --> 00:10:04,969 - More than a year had passed since seemona sumasar 229 00:10:05,038 --> 00:10:09,107 Had accused her ex boyfriend jerry ramrattan of rape. 230 00:10:09,175 --> 00:10:11,242 Jerry was out on bail. 231 00:10:11,311 --> 00:10:14,112 In a desperate phone call, he tried to plead his case 232 00:10:14,181 --> 00:10:16,247 To her one last time. 233 00:10:16,316 --> 00:10:19,050 - He said "please, please, please, I'm begging you." 234 00:10:19,119 --> 00:10:21,053 "don't do this. Don't do this. 235 00:10:21,121 --> 00:10:22,387 "don't go through with it. 236 00:10:22,455 --> 00:10:24,989 "think about my kids." 237 00:10:24,991 --> 00:10:26,792 And I said, "don't ever call me again 238 00:10:26,860 --> 00:10:28,192 "or try to contact me." 239 00:10:28,261 --> 00:10:31,063 - Seemona wanted to see jerry behind bars, 240 00:10:31,131 --> 00:10:34,133 But on the night of may 21, 2010, 241 00:10:34,200 --> 00:10:37,935 Her case and her life exploded into chaos. 242 00:10:38,004 --> 00:10:40,306 She was driving near her restaurant 243 00:10:40,373 --> 00:10:42,707 When she was pulled over by police. 244 00:10:42,777 --> 00:10:43,608 - These were detectives. 245 00:10:43,677 --> 00:10:45,009 These weren't regular patrol officers. 246 00:10:45,011 --> 00:10:46,744 - Detectives, plain clothing. 247 00:10:46,813 --> 00:10:48,546 You know, and I explained who I was. 248 00:10:48,615 --> 00:10:49,748 They didn't seem to care. 249 00:10:49,816 --> 00:10:51,549 I was asked to step out of the car, 250 00:10:51,618 --> 00:10:53,585 Handcuffs was placed on me. 251 00:10:53,654 --> 00:10:55,154 - Seemona was bewildered. 252 00:10:55,156 --> 00:10:57,922 She'd never been in trouble with police before. 253 00:10:57,992 --> 00:11:01,626 More puzzling, the detectives were from suburban long island. 254 00:11:01,695 --> 00:11:03,828 They drove seemona to a precinct house 255 00:11:03,897 --> 00:11:06,432 In nassau county, where she was questioned 256 00:11:06,499 --> 00:11:09,167 About her car, her driving routines, 257 00:11:09,169 --> 00:11:12,170 And her whereabouts on several dates. 258 00:11:12,239 --> 00:11:14,839 - We were having a conversation about all of these things, 259 00:11:14,908 --> 00:11:17,909 And nothing was making any sense to me. 260 00:11:17,978 --> 00:11:20,178 These people obviously think I did something. 261 00:11:20,247 --> 00:11:21,980 The detectives acted as though seemona 262 00:11:21,982 --> 00:11:25,049 Was hiding something, and kept pressing her. 263 00:11:25,118 --> 00:11:27,252 Her attorney, nick brustin. 264 00:11:27,320 --> 00:11:29,988 - Seemona's arrest was a nightmare. 265 00:11:29,990 --> 00:11:31,389 She's not given any information 266 00:11:31,458 --> 00:11:33,057 About why she's being arrested, 267 00:11:33,126 --> 00:11:34,860 Has no idea what's happening. 268 00:11:34,928 --> 00:11:38,863 It's just a terrifying, shocking experience. 269 00:11:38,932 --> 00:11:41,265 Seemona says she was even more shocked 270 00:11:41,334 --> 00:11:44,669 When she finally learned why she was there. 271 00:11:44,737 --> 00:11:48,206 A frantic 911 call had made her the suspect 272 00:11:48,275 --> 00:11:49,941 In an armed robbery. 273 00:11:55,749 --> 00:11:58,283 The caller was a woman named luz johnson, 274 00:11:58,285 --> 00:12:01,219 Who had been driving in a quiet long island neighborhood 275 00:12:01,221 --> 00:12:03,288 Just over the border from queens. 276 00:12:14,667 --> 00:12:16,567 - She was pulled over by this male 277 00:12:16,636 --> 00:12:20,304 And female police officer in a two-tone jeep cherokee 278 00:12:20,373 --> 00:12:22,307 With a red flashing light. 279 00:12:22,309 --> 00:12:25,109 - Reporter shari einhorn covered the story 280 00:12:25,111 --> 00:12:27,111 For news 12 long island. 281 00:12:27,113 --> 00:12:29,380 - They're wearing bulletproof vests with badges 282 00:12:29,449 --> 00:12:32,583 Or shields hanging from their necks. 283 00:12:32,585 --> 00:12:35,586 They have black semiautomatic handguns. 284 00:12:35,588 --> 00:12:38,889 - But it turned out these were not police officers. 285 00:12:38,959 --> 00:12:42,327 Johnson says they were bandits who robbed her at gunpoint, 286 00:12:42,329 --> 00:12:43,928 Walking off with her rent money, 287 00:12:43,997 --> 00:12:46,264 $1,400 in cash. 288 00:12:46,333 --> 00:12:48,399 [indistinct chatter] 289 00:12:48,468 --> 00:12:51,469 - The mo struck a chord with nassau county police. 290 00:12:51,538 --> 00:12:55,072 It sounded almost exactly like two other armed robberies, 291 00:12:55,141 --> 00:12:58,609 Recorded nearby over the previous six months. 292 00:12:58,611 --> 00:13:02,680 - Each of the incidents happened in the wee morning hours. 293 00:13:02,749 --> 00:13:06,350 Each of the incidents seemed to be a routine traffic stop, 294 00:13:06,419 --> 00:13:09,554 And in each of the incidents, the female is often described 295 00:13:09,622 --> 00:13:12,223 As either spanish or indian. 296 00:13:12,292 --> 00:13:14,893 - The first victim, rajive mohanlal, 297 00:13:14,895 --> 00:13:16,694 A burly man in his 20's, 298 00:13:16,763 --> 00:13:19,030 Described a harrowing confrontation with 299 00:13:19,098 --> 00:13:21,766 A petite woman posing as a cop. 300 00:13:21,835 --> 00:13:25,236 Mohanlal tells police that she handcuffed him, 301 00:13:25,305 --> 00:13:27,572 And police find him wearing handcuffs. 302 00:13:27,640 --> 00:13:29,841 And mohanlal also tells police that 303 00:13:29,843 --> 00:13:33,778 The female officer cocked her gun near his head 304 00:13:33,847 --> 00:13:37,248 And a bullet popped out, and police do, 305 00:13:37,317 --> 00:13:40,452 In fact, find a bullet on the ground. 306 00:13:40,520 --> 00:13:42,854 - That case went unsolved. 307 00:13:42,922 --> 00:13:44,822 Five months later, the same thing happened 308 00:13:44,891 --> 00:13:46,958 To an optician named terrell lovell. 309 00:14:01,007 --> 00:14:03,675 - He's able to describe a little more detail 310 00:14:03,743 --> 00:14:05,811 Of the car that pulled him over. 311 00:14:05,879 --> 00:14:08,413 A jeep cherokee, 312 00:14:08,415 --> 00:14:11,215 Gray, with partial gold rims, 313 00:14:11,217 --> 00:14:12,951 With a flashing red light. 314 00:14:12,953 --> 00:14:15,086 - Still not enough to crack the case, 315 00:14:15,154 --> 00:14:19,090 Until the night luz johnson became victim number three. 316 00:14:19,158 --> 00:14:21,960 [crying] 317 00:14:23,162 --> 00:14:24,897 - Johnson was inconsolable, 318 00:14:24,964 --> 00:14:27,899 So shaken she could barely put a sentence together. 319 00:14:27,967 --> 00:14:31,235 But she was clear-headed enough to remember the license plate 320 00:14:31,304 --> 00:14:32,971 Of the jeep cherokee. 321 00:14:32,973 --> 00:14:35,740 Police traced it to a house in queens. 322 00:14:35,808 --> 00:14:38,743 It was seemona sumasar's house, 323 00:14:38,812 --> 00:14:40,978 The very same house where police had come 324 00:14:41,047 --> 00:14:44,449 One year earlier when she had said she was raped, 325 00:14:44,517 --> 00:14:48,119 But this time, they were coming for her as the suspect 326 00:14:48,188 --> 00:14:50,455 In a string of brazen robberies. 327 00:14:50,457 --> 00:14:53,991 All police needed now was a positive id. 328 00:14:54,060 --> 00:14:57,194 Each of the three victims is able to pick out 329 00:14:57,263 --> 00:14:59,864 Seemona sumasar from a photo pack. 330 00:14:59,932 --> 00:15:01,999 - To prosecutors in nassau county, 331 00:15:02,068 --> 00:15:04,069 It looked like a mountain of evidence. 332 00:15:04,137 --> 00:15:06,804 They charged seemona with armed robbery, 333 00:15:06,873 --> 00:15:08,372 Possession of a firearm, 334 00:15:08,374 --> 00:15:10,542 And impersonating a police officer. 335 00:15:10,610 --> 00:15:12,343 When frank degaetano, 336 00:15:12,412 --> 00:15:14,745 The prosecutor in seemona's rape case, 337 00:15:14,814 --> 00:15:16,547 First heard about her arrest, 338 00:15:16,616 --> 00:15:19,150 He had to ask himself what kind of person 339 00:15:19,152 --> 00:15:21,486 His star witness really was. 340 00:15:21,554 --> 00:15:24,656 I've prosecuted priests. I've prosecuted doctors, 341 00:15:24,724 --> 00:15:28,559 Lawyers, boy scout leaders, people that you wouldn't think 342 00:15:28,629 --> 00:15:30,628 Would be engaging in criminal activity, 343 00:15:30,630 --> 00:15:31,762 But yet were. 344 00:15:31,831 --> 00:15:33,898 - When you heard robbery and seemona, 345 00:15:33,967 --> 00:15:35,700 What was your first thought? 346 00:15:35,768 --> 00:15:37,902 - I thought, "wow. I can't believe it." 347 00:15:37,971 --> 00:15:39,770 I didn't think she was like that. 348 00:15:39,839 --> 00:15:42,874 - So did you think this must be some horrible mistake? 349 00:15:42,876 --> 00:15:46,110 - Well, I believe that-that, you know, there's four sides 350 00:15:46,112 --> 00:15:47,578 To the story. - Four sides? 351 00:15:47,647 --> 00:15:51,616 - Yeah, the if, the truth, the maybe, and whatever else. 352 00:15:52,919 --> 00:15:55,186 - And in the case of seemona and jerry, 353 00:15:55,255 --> 00:15:57,956 All sides were about to collide, 354 00:15:58,024 --> 00:16:00,791 Exposing how far some people will go 355 00:16:00,861 --> 00:16:04,295 To exact revenge. 356 00:16:04,297 --> 00:16:05,162 Coming up... 357 00:16:05,231 --> 00:16:06,864 - Seemona's rage. 358 00:16:06,933 --> 00:16:09,266 - There was no doubt that I had it in for him. 359 00:16:09,335 --> 00:16:10,935 I'm not gonna deny that. 360 00:16:10,937 --> 00:16:13,804 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 361 00:16:24,918 --> 00:16:27,885 - Seemona sumasar was getting to know the justice system 362 00:16:27,887 --> 00:16:29,453 From both ends. 363 00:16:29,522 --> 00:16:32,157 First, in queens, as the accuser 364 00:16:32,225 --> 00:16:34,759 And star witness in a rape case against 365 00:16:34,761 --> 00:16:37,695 Her former boyfriend, jerry ramrattan. 366 00:16:37,764 --> 00:16:40,631 And now, in a long island jail cell, 367 00:16:40,700 --> 00:16:42,567 Charged with armed robbery 368 00:16:42,569 --> 00:16:44,902 And impersonating a police officer. 369 00:16:44,904 --> 00:16:47,039 The prosecutor of her rape case found 370 00:16:47,106 --> 00:16:49,907 The charges hard to believe, but he knew 371 00:16:49,909 --> 00:16:53,178 Long island prosecutors had discovered a motive. 372 00:16:53,246 --> 00:16:55,513 - She was in arrears on her taxes. 373 00:16:55,515 --> 00:16:57,782 They eventually came to believe that her restaurant 374 00:16:57,784 --> 00:17:00,117 Was failing, and that she was 375 00:17:00,186 --> 00:17:02,920 In desperate financial straits. 376 00:17:02,922 --> 00:17:04,789 - I understand she had some money issues. 377 00:17:04,857 --> 00:17:06,391 - A lot of money issues. 378 00:17:06,459 --> 00:17:08,060 There was a lot of stuff going on. 379 00:17:08,127 --> 00:17:09,593 - When they first started dating, 380 00:17:09,662 --> 00:17:11,862 Jerry was at the restaurant all the time, 381 00:17:11,931 --> 00:17:14,598 Greeting customers, driving employees home, 382 00:17:14,667 --> 00:17:16,133 Handling deliveries. 383 00:17:16,202 --> 00:17:18,136 He was so involved, some people thought 384 00:17:18,204 --> 00:17:19,603 He was the boss. 385 00:17:19,672 --> 00:17:21,338 - What did you do at the restaurant, initially? 386 00:17:21,407 --> 00:17:24,008 - At first, I came in and I started assisting her 387 00:17:24,077 --> 00:17:26,678 Because she was having problems. She had violations, 388 00:17:26,746 --> 00:17:28,946 Several thousands of dollars in violations. 389 00:17:28,948 --> 00:17:31,082 They were coming after her for taxes. 390 00:17:31,151 --> 00:17:34,418 She had an sba loan, small business loan, 391 00:17:34,487 --> 00:17:36,487 And she defaulted on the loan. 392 00:17:36,556 --> 00:17:38,222 It was a lot of stuff going on. 393 00:17:38,224 --> 00:17:40,158 - Was she a good business woman? 394 00:17:40,226 --> 00:17:42,027 - She tried. 395 00:17:42,095 --> 00:17:43,561 She tried. 396 00:17:43,630 --> 00:17:47,165 - Jerry says seemona's financial situation got so bad, 397 00:17:47,167 --> 00:17:50,035 He took charge of day-to-day operations. 398 00:17:50,103 --> 00:17:52,704 Then, when seemona formed a new corporation 399 00:17:52,772 --> 00:17:56,040 To run the restaurant, she named jerry an officer. 400 00:17:56,109 --> 00:17:58,443 She even created a new bank account 401 00:17:58,511 --> 00:18:01,646 To handle expenses and put it in jerry's name. 402 00:18:01,714 --> 00:18:04,648 And finally, when money became too tight, 403 00:18:04,717 --> 00:18:07,585 He says seemona took the ultimate step. 404 00:18:07,653 --> 00:18:10,322 You say that seemona ended up selling the restaurant to you. 405 00:18:10,389 --> 00:18:12,623 - Correct. And they gave me a notarized letter 406 00:18:12,692 --> 00:18:14,726 Stating that it was sold to me. 407 00:18:14,794 --> 00:18:17,328 And they also transferred the light, the gas, 408 00:18:17,396 --> 00:18:19,463 All the utilities in my name. 409 00:18:19,532 --> 00:18:22,333 - Seemona said she did not sell the restaurant, 410 00:18:22,402 --> 00:18:24,735 And it was never in dire straits. 411 00:18:24,804 --> 00:18:27,471 She says her problem was with jerry. 412 00:18:27,473 --> 00:18:29,607 Once she discovered he was a married man, 413 00:18:29,675 --> 00:18:31,942 She just didn't trust him anymore. 414 00:18:32,011 --> 00:18:34,212 - I had no clue who he really was, 415 00:18:34,280 --> 00:18:37,882 If anything that he said was true at all. 416 00:18:37,950 --> 00:18:40,352 And I said, you know what, I can't take this anymore. 417 00:18:40,419 --> 00:18:44,288 - And that's when seemona says she told jerry to leave. 418 00:18:44,290 --> 00:18:47,225 She also wrote an email to his wife. 419 00:18:47,227 --> 00:18:49,093 Things were getting ugly. 420 00:18:49,095 --> 00:18:51,562 In the email, it says, "revenge is sweet. 421 00:18:51,631 --> 00:18:53,231 "he deserves what he gets. 422 00:18:53,233 --> 00:18:54,832 "you were never gonna put him in his place. 423 00:18:54,834 --> 00:18:56,300 "someone needed to." 424 00:18:56,302 --> 00:18:59,036 - There is no doubt that I had it in for him. 425 00:18:59,105 --> 00:19:00,705 I'm not gonna deny that. 426 00:19:00,707 --> 00:19:03,507 I explained to her that I am trying to get him 427 00:19:03,576 --> 00:19:04,575 Out of my life. 428 00:19:04,644 --> 00:19:05,976 It's not an easy thing to do. 429 00:19:06,045 --> 00:19:08,312 - I mean, was this related to the fact that 430 00:19:08,381 --> 00:19:09,914 You had set this deadline, and-- 431 00:19:09,982 --> 00:19:13,018 - Yes, and I wanted him out. 432 00:19:13,020 --> 00:19:15,519 - It was just one month later that seemona 433 00:19:15,588 --> 00:19:17,788 Accused jerry of rape. 434 00:19:17,790 --> 00:19:19,357 Why would she make this up? 435 00:19:19,425 --> 00:19:22,860 - Well, her whole problem was she wanted the store back. 436 00:19:22,929 --> 00:19:25,062 After all the stuff I've done for her. 437 00:19:25,064 --> 00:19:26,731 Do you know how preposterous that sounds, 438 00:19:26,733 --> 00:19:27,865 After all this time? 439 00:19:27,934 --> 00:19:30,569 You're gonna accuse me of rape? 440 00:19:30,636 --> 00:19:32,002 It was like a nightmare. 441 00:19:32,071 --> 00:19:34,139 - But now, the prosecutor, getting ready to bring 442 00:19:34,207 --> 00:19:37,808 Jerry to trial for rape, had his own nightmare. 443 00:19:37,810 --> 00:19:41,346 His star witness had lost her most important credential, 444 00:19:41,414 --> 00:19:43,280 Her credibility. 445 00:19:43,349 --> 00:19:47,017 - We were presenting her as thoughtful, 446 00:19:47,086 --> 00:19:50,689 Gentle, a private woman, and essentially, you know, 447 00:19:50,756 --> 00:19:53,090 The defense would have been able to paint her as ma barker. 448 00:19:53,159 --> 00:19:55,259 - And that's exactly how it played out 449 00:19:55,261 --> 00:19:56,761 In front of a grand jury. 450 00:19:56,829 --> 00:19:59,697 All three victims testified that seemona was the woman 451 00:19:59,765 --> 00:20:02,366 Who disguised herself as a police officer 452 00:20:02,368 --> 00:20:04,502 And robbed them at gunpoint. 453 00:20:04,504 --> 00:20:06,971 Seemona was indicted, and her bail was set 454 00:20:07,039 --> 00:20:08,974 At $1 million. 455 00:20:09,041 --> 00:20:10,908 She couldn't come up with the money, 456 00:20:10,977 --> 00:20:12,977 And remained in jail. 457 00:20:13,045 --> 00:20:15,647 - They've got three witnesses that identified you 458 00:20:15,715 --> 00:20:17,715 In a lineup, identified your car. 459 00:20:17,717 --> 00:20:20,518 They had what, to them, seemed like a pretty good case. 460 00:20:20,586 --> 00:20:22,187 Did you understand that? - Yeah. 461 00:20:22,255 --> 00:20:23,587 I do understand that. 462 00:20:23,589 --> 00:20:25,589 - But what seemona didn't understand 463 00:20:25,658 --> 00:20:28,392 Was why nassau county police and prosecutors 464 00:20:28,461 --> 00:20:30,862 Were ignoring evidence she felt certain 465 00:20:30,930 --> 00:20:32,263 Would clear her. 466 00:20:32,265 --> 00:20:35,466 Most significant, she claims she had an airtight alibi 467 00:20:35,534 --> 00:20:37,468 For the night of the third robbery. 468 00:22:08,027 --> 00:22:10,227 - Seemona's attorney says police didn't take 469 00:22:10,296 --> 00:22:12,163 Her alibi seriously 470 00:22:12,231 --> 00:22:15,032 Because they had already made up their minds. 471 00:22:15,034 --> 00:22:18,502 - It was very clear that it's seemona in the picture. 472 00:22:18,571 --> 00:22:20,838 Um, the cellphone records support it. 473 00:22:20,907 --> 00:22:22,439 With that kind of evidence, 474 00:22:22,508 --> 00:22:24,775 A full investigation should be conducted 475 00:22:24,777 --> 00:22:26,076 Into what she's claiming. 476 00:22:26,145 --> 00:22:28,913 - But nassau county police didn't budge. 477 00:22:28,915 --> 00:22:32,182 They felt the evidence against seemona was overwhelming. 478 00:22:32,251 --> 00:22:35,052 And as she languished in jail for months, 479 00:22:35,121 --> 00:22:37,387 One thing kept eating at her, 480 00:22:37,457 --> 00:22:38,522 Something that happened 481 00:22:38,591 --> 00:22:40,592 The night she was taken into custody. 482 00:22:40,659 --> 00:22:43,427 - At one point, during the interrogation, 483 00:22:43,497 --> 00:22:46,731 I noticed that there is a folder, like manila folder, 484 00:22:46,799 --> 00:22:49,266 This high, and on top of it, 485 00:22:49,335 --> 00:22:51,034 Is his picture. 486 00:22:51,103 --> 00:22:52,536 - Who's picture? - Jerry's. 487 00:22:52,605 --> 00:22:54,138 They have a folder on him. 488 00:22:54,206 --> 00:22:56,607 So I spilled my guts about the rape, 489 00:22:56,676 --> 00:22:59,811 Everything I know about jerry, and what's goin' on. 490 00:22:59,879 --> 00:23:04,281 And the detective casually just says to me, 491 00:23:04,283 --> 00:23:05,817 Well, this is not about him. 492 00:23:05,885 --> 00:23:07,552 I'm thinking to myself, how could this not 493 00:23:07,620 --> 00:23:09,320 Have anything to do with him? 494 00:23:11,357 --> 00:23:13,291 - The mystery starts to unravel, 495 00:23:13,359 --> 00:23:17,628 And surprises are about to be uncovered. 496 00:23:17,696 --> 00:23:18,962 - Coming up... 497 00:23:19,031 --> 00:23:23,768 A new witness comes forward, and upends the entire case. 498 00:23:23,836 --> 00:23:25,636 - She decided to go to the nassau d.A.'s office 499 00:23:25,638 --> 00:23:26,971 And come clean. 500 00:23:27,039 --> 00:23:30,007 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 501 00:23:33,278 --> 00:23:37,582 ♪♪ 502 00:23:37,650 --> 00:23:40,584 - Welcome back to "dateline: Secrets uncovered". 503 00:23:40,653 --> 00:23:42,052 I'm craig melvin. 504 00:23:42,054 --> 00:23:46,124 Seemona sumasar had accused her ex-boyfriend of rape. 505 00:23:46,192 --> 00:23:50,260 But in a bizarre twist, found herself behind bars. 506 00:23:50,329 --> 00:23:53,198 She was convinced he had something to do with her arrest, 507 00:23:53,265 --> 00:23:54,933 But had no way to prove it 508 00:23:55,000 --> 00:23:57,067 From the darkness of a prison cell. 509 00:23:57,136 --> 00:24:01,072 Now, someone with a secret was about to shine a light 510 00:24:01,140 --> 00:24:03,607 That just might set her free. 511 00:24:03,676 --> 00:24:06,210 Back to lester holt with "vengeance". 512 00:24:07,546 --> 00:24:09,413 - Seemona sumasar was in jail, 513 00:24:09,481 --> 00:24:11,483 About to be tried for armed robbery 514 00:24:11,550 --> 00:24:14,018 And impersonating a police officer. 515 00:24:14,086 --> 00:24:16,753 For a woman who had been a success on wall street, 516 00:24:16,822 --> 00:24:18,489 And owned her own restaurant, 517 00:24:18,491 --> 00:24:20,891 It seemed to defy all logic. 518 00:24:20,893 --> 00:24:24,428 Is it hard to believe that that's you? 519 00:24:24,497 --> 00:24:27,030 - Yeah, I-I-I say it everyday, it's not my life. 520 00:24:27,099 --> 00:24:28,299 This couldn't have happened to me. 521 00:24:28,367 --> 00:24:30,634 It-it's-it's like a bad dream. 522 00:24:30,703 --> 00:24:32,703 - Seemona said she was innocent, 523 00:24:32,772 --> 00:24:35,639 And thought she had given police an airtight alibi 524 00:24:35,708 --> 00:24:38,108 For the night of one of the robberies. 525 00:24:38,110 --> 00:24:40,177 She racked her brain, trying to come up 526 00:24:40,246 --> 00:24:41,645 With an explanation. 527 00:24:41,714 --> 00:24:43,981 She could only think of one. 528 00:24:43,983 --> 00:24:47,184 This had to be the work of jerry ramrattan. 529 00:24:47,253 --> 00:24:49,720 - There was no doubt that, at that time, 530 00:24:49,788 --> 00:24:51,922 That this has to do with jerry. 531 00:24:51,991 --> 00:24:54,859 - Seemona felt certain the man charged with raping her 532 00:24:54,927 --> 00:24:58,262 Must be connected to the charges against her now. 533 00:24:58,330 --> 00:24:59,397 But how? 534 00:24:59,465 --> 00:25:01,932 She says she pleaded with police and prosecutors 535 00:25:02,001 --> 00:25:03,600 To try to find out. 536 00:25:03,669 --> 00:25:05,669 But they didn't seem interested. 537 00:25:05,738 --> 00:25:08,939 Seemona's lawyer says they didn't do their jobs. 538 00:25:09,008 --> 00:25:10,742 - Police have blinders. 539 00:25:10,809 --> 00:25:13,578 They get a piece of evidence they think is credible, 540 00:25:13,645 --> 00:25:16,280 And they follow it to the exclusion of all else. 541 00:25:16,348 --> 00:25:19,216 And they were looking for ways 542 00:25:19,285 --> 00:25:20,684 To prove that she committed this crime. 543 00:25:20,753 --> 00:25:21,953 They were convinced she did. 544 00:25:22,021 --> 00:25:25,289 They weren't looking for ways to prove that she didn't. 545 00:25:25,357 --> 00:25:26,824 - As the months dragged on, 546 00:25:26,826 --> 00:25:29,760 Seemona felt like she'd been assaulted twice. 547 00:25:29,762 --> 00:25:31,695 First by her ex-boyfriend, 548 00:25:31,764 --> 00:25:33,965 And now, by the justice system. 549 00:25:34,033 --> 00:25:35,967 - It became difficult. 550 00:25:36,035 --> 00:25:40,437 You know, all the negative, like, because of... 551 00:25:40,506 --> 00:25:42,973 My arrest. A lot of embarrassing things 552 00:25:43,042 --> 00:25:45,642 That my family had to, you know, go through. 553 00:25:45,711 --> 00:25:49,313 A lot of shame, a lot of guilt. 554 00:25:49,381 --> 00:25:52,249 Like, how to explain what's going on, 555 00:25:52,318 --> 00:25:53,884 What's being said about me. 556 00:25:53,953 --> 00:25:56,854 - Then, just before christmas, a gift. 557 00:25:56,856 --> 00:26:00,057 A woman arrived at the nassau county da's office 558 00:26:00,059 --> 00:26:03,060 With evidence of a plot against seemona. 559 00:26:03,129 --> 00:26:04,661 How did she know? 560 00:26:04,730 --> 00:26:06,863 She said her boyfriend was behind it. 561 00:26:06,932 --> 00:26:09,266 - She was trying to extricate herself, uh, 562 00:26:09,268 --> 00:26:11,401 From, uh-- from that relationship. 563 00:26:11,470 --> 00:26:13,872 He'd show up at her house, she'd refuse to let him in, 564 00:26:13,939 --> 00:26:16,607 And she came to realize that, uh, the only way 565 00:26:16,675 --> 00:26:20,011 To get rid of him, uh, was to expose his conspiracy. 566 00:26:20,079 --> 00:26:22,412 So she decided to go to nassau d.A.'s office 567 00:26:22,481 --> 00:26:24,448 And to come clean. 568 00:26:24,516 --> 00:26:27,218 - The informant said not only was seemona not involved 569 00:26:27,286 --> 00:26:30,054 In any robberies, but there were no robberies. 570 00:26:33,092 --> 00:26:36,627 The dramatic 911 calls, testimony, the evidence, 571 00:26:36,695 --> 00:26:39,563 All of it was faked to frame her. 572 00:26:39,565 --> 00:26:41,699 - I couldn't say anything else, but, "wait a minute, 573 00:26:41,701 --> 00:26:43,967 "are you kidding me? Isn't this what I was saying 574 00:26:44,036 --> 00:26:45,168 "from day one?" 575 00:26:45,237 --> 00:26:47,838 - The informant provided cell phone records 576 00:26:47,906 --> 00:26:50,040 Linking the three robbery victims 577 00:26:50,109 --> 00:26:53,511 To the mastermind of an elaborate plot. 578 00:26:53,579 --> 00:26:56,981 It was not only the informant's boyfriend, 579 00:26:57,049 --> 00:27:00,517 But the man seemona had suspected all along, 580 00:27:00,586 --> 00:27:02,186 Jerry ramrattan. 581 00:27:02,254 --> 00:27:03,655 - He resolved to do whatever he could 582 00:27:03,722 --> 00:27:06,523 To discredit her, and in jerry's world, 583 00:27:06,525 --> 00:27:10,060 Uh, that was bringing false charges against her. 584 00:27:10,129 --> 00:27:11,995 And he did it in a very, very clever and-- 585 00:27:11,997 --> 00:27:16,601 And, uh, really masterful way, uh, to pin these crimes on her. 586 00:27:16,669 --> 00:27:19,870 - All three so-called victims confessed 587 00:27:19,938 --> 00:27:21,872 That the entire thing was a hoax, 588 00:27:21,940 --> 00:27:23,942 And said jerry was behind it. 589 00:27:24,009 --> 00:27:27,812 They all pleaded guilty to perjury and went to jail. 590 00:27:27,880 --> 00:27:30,814 Nassau county prosecutors had to admit they were wrong 591 00:27:30,883 --> 00:27:33,884 About seemona. They dropped the charges 592 00:27:33,886 --> 00:27:35,952 And released her. - It was just... 593 00:27:36,021 --> 00:27:38,956 A moment. Unbelievable. 594 00:27:38,958 --> 00:27:42,159 I had to pinch myself, like, I'm really, literally out. 595 00:27:42,227 --> 00:27:46,830 - Seemona was finally free. But she had paid a heavy price. 596 00:27:46,832 --> 00:27:48,766 She'd been separated from her young daughter 597 00:27:48,834 --> 00:27:50,635 For seven long months. 598 00:27:50,703 --> 00:27:52,370 How often did you get to see your daughter? 599 00:27:52,438 --> 00:27:55,974 - I had refused to. Having her come there, 600 00:27:56,041 --> 00:28:00,444 I got arrested in may, the whole summer went by, 601 00:28:00,512 --> 00:28:02,045 Never seen her. 602 00:28:02,047 --> 00:28:05,984 And just before the week of school in September, 603 00:28:06,051 --> 00:28:11,254 Is when I asked her dad to bring her. 604 00:28:11,323 --> 00:28:14,925 And I tried to explain everything to her in an hour. 605 00:28:14,994 --> 00:28:18,395 About how she shouldn't worry about anything. 606 00:28:18,464 --> 00:28:20,264 - What was that like? [sighing] 607 00:28:20,332 --> 00:28:22,000 - That was the worst. 608 00:28:22,067 --> 00:28:26,136 - Now, everything circled back to jerry ramrattan. 609 00:28:26,138 --> 00:28:29,540 He was arrested again, and charged with conspiracy. 610 00:28:29,608 --> 00:28:33,543 This time, he went to jail to stay, and most significant, 611 00:28:33,612 --> 00:28:36,079 All the charges against him were combined, 612 00:28:36,148 --> 00:28:39,349 So that he would be tried for both conspiracy and rape 613 00:28:39,418 --> 00:28:41,284 In front of one jury. 614 00:28:41,353 --> 00:28:43,420 - Jerry, see why this looks really bad? 615 00:28:43,422 --> 00:28:46,024 You're accused of rape by seemona, 616 00:28:46,091 --> 00:28:48,425 Seemona suddenly ends up in jail 617 00:28:48,494 --> 00:28:49,826 Accused of armed robbery. 618 00:28:49,895 --> 00:28:52,028 So three people that claim she did it 619 00:28:52,097 --> 00:28:55,432 All were related to you. - They're not all related to me. 620 00:28:55,501 --> 00:28:57,635 And I trust the justice system, 621 00:28:57,703 --> 00:29:00,303 Even though I was done injustice, 622 00:29:00,372 --> 00:29:02,506 I guarantee you, the truth will come out. 623 00:29:02,508 --> 00:29:05,042 - Jerry maintained his innocence. 624 00:29:05,044 --> 00:29:06,243 The case for the defense? 625 00:29:06,245 --> 00:29:08,879 Those witnesses were lying. 626 00:29:10,716 --> 00:29:12,182 - They lied about everything, 627 00:29:12,251 --> 00:29:14,452 But it just takes any one juror to say 628 00:29:14,520 --> 00:29:16,787 "I don't believe these people." 629 00:29:16,789 --> 00:29:19,924 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 630 00:29:23,128 --> 00:29:28,465 ♪♪ 631 00:29:28,467 --> 00:29:31,535 - The love between seemona sumasar 632 00:29:31,603 --> 00:29:34,437 And jerry ramrattan had long since been replaced 633 00:29:34,506 --> 00:29:37,440 By bitterness. Was she in love with you? 634 00:29:37,509 --> 00:29:39,075 - I-- I believe so. 635 00:29:39,144 --> 00:29:41,645 So how did love turn into hate like this? 636 00:29:44,416 --> 00:29:47,617 Money's a dangerous commodity. 637 00:29:47,619 --> 00:29:49,486 - He is a sociopath. 638 00:29:49,555 --> 00:29:52,823 I don't believe he would stop at anything 639 00:29:52,825 --> 00:29:54,558 To get what he wants. 640 00:29:54,626 --> 00:29:58,495 - In November of 2011, the most intimate secrets 641 00:29:58,564 --> 00:30:00,631 And grievances of the relationship 642 00:30:00,699 --> 00:30:03,200 Played out in court at jerry's trial 643 00:30:03,268 --> 00:30:07,438 For rape and conspiracy. The prosecution set the tone, 644 00:30:07,506 --> 00:30:10,574 Calling jerry a liar and manipulator, 645 00:30:10,642 --> 00:30:13,443 Used to getting his way until seemona forced him 646 00:30:13,512 --> 00:30:17,647 Out of her business, her house, and her heart. 647 00:30:17,716 --> 00:30:19,549 - This time, he was gonna have to leave with his tail 648 00:30:19,618 --> 00:30:21,885 Between his legs, uh-- that was something that, 649 00:30:21,887 --> 00:30:24,120 You know, he just could not allow to happen. 650 00:30:24,189 --> 00:30:26,056 I think he became extraordinarily angry, 651 00:30:26,058 --> 00:30:28,793 And-and that's when he decided he was going to rape her. 652 00:30:28,861 --> 00:30:31,996 - Seemona took the stand and described the events 653 00:30:32,064 --> 00:30:34,598 Of March 8th, 2009: 654 00:30:34,666 --> 00:30:37,267 Hours of captivity in her own bedroom 655 00:30:37,269 --> 00:30:39,469 Followed by a brutal rape. 656 00:30:39,538 --> 00:30:41,338 That must have been hard. - It was. 657 00:30:41,340 --> 00:30:44,407 I went in there not knowing what to expect. 658 00:30:44,476 --> 00:30:45,675 I also reminded myself 659 00:30:45,744 --> 00:30:47,210 That I didn't have anything to worry about, 660 00:30:47,279 --> 00:30:48,812 Because I didn't need to lie about anything. 661 00:30:48,881 --> 00:30:51,281 - She relived the relationship with jerry 662 00:30:51,283 --> 00:30:52,482 On that witness stand, 663 00:30:52,551 --> 00:30:55,018 And she relived her ordeal with jerry 664 00:30:55,087 --> 00:30:56,154 On that witness stand, 665 00:30:56,221 --> 00:30:59,889 And I thought every moment of her examination 666 00:30:59,959 --> 00:31:02,425 Rang true and was very powerful. 667 00:31:02,494 --> 00:31:04,094 - The prosecution told the jury 668 00:31:04,162 --> 00:31:06,564 That seemona's body was a crime scene. 669 00:31:06,632 --> 00:31:09,566 Semen recovered during her sexual assault exam 670 00:31:09,568 --> 00:31:11,701 Contained jerry's dna. 671 00:31:11,770 --> 00:31:14,304 And there was evidence of a gential laceration. 672 00:31:14,373 --> 00:31:17,174 - Most women who are raped, there are no injuries. 673 00:31:17,176 --> 00:31:20,176 If there is injury, um, that is indicative 674 00:31:20,245 --> 00:31:22,779 Of a forcible act. 675 00:31:22,781 --> 00:31:26,449 - The report included pictures of seemona's face and arms. 676 00:31:26,518 --> 00:31:28,719 - There are duct tape marks consistent with 677 00:31:28,787 --> 00:31:31,389 Duct tape having been placed around her wrists. 678 00:31:31,456 --> 00:31:33,724 - Prosecutor degaetano also had evidence 679 00:31:33,792 --> 00:31:36,594 That jerry's fingerprint was on a roll of duct tape 680 00:31:36,662 --> 00:31:38,196 Recovered from the house. 681 00:31:38,263 --> 00:31:40,797 - Collectively, you know, the evidence was overwhelming 682 00:31:40,866 --> 00:31:42,933 And really supported her account. 683 00:31:43,001 --> 00:31:46,536 - Next, the jury heard about a fake robbery plot 684 00:31:46,538 --> 00:31:50,474 As intricate as an episode of "csi" or "law & order," 685 00:31:50,542 --> 00:31:52,409 Jerry's favorite crime dramas. 686 00:31:52,477 --> 00:31:55,680 The prosecution said it was brilliantly conceived, 687 00:31:55,747 --> 00:31:59,216 Not by a real cop as jerry claimed he once was, 688 00:31:59,218 --> 00:32:02,086 But by a detective wannabe, who it turns out 689 00:32:02,154 --> 00:32:05,489 Had once been convicted for robbery himself. 690 00:32:05,491 --> 00:32:08,692 - I did know early on that he was not a police officer. 691 00:32:08,760 --> 00:32:10,560 He had a felony record, 692 00:32:10,562 --> 00:32:12,763 So he could not have been a police officer. 693 00:32:12,831 --> 00:32:16,433 - The prosecution called the three so-called victims 694 00:32:16,435 --> 00:32:19,036 Who had accused seemona of armed robbery. 695 00:32:19,104 --> 00:32:23,040 [indistinct voice on phone] 696 00:32:23,108 --> 00:32:26,309 - Even luz johnson, whose dramatic 9-1-1 call 697 00:32:26,378 --> 00:32:27,578 Seemed so real, 698 00:32:27,646 --> 00:32:30,113 Now said she was simply reciting a script 699 00:32:30,182 --> 00:32:32,917 Elaborately written by jerry. 700 00:32:32,985 --> 00:32:34,252 - He knew police procedure. 701 00:32:34,319 --> 00:32:36,853 He knew how these investigations were conducted. 702 00:32:36,922 --> 00:32:39,389 And he made use of it, and he was very detailed 703 00:32:39,391 --> 00:32:42,592 In the scrip that he gave to each of the three victims. 704 00:32:42,594 --> 00:32:44,194 - The prosecution had painted 705 00:32:44,196 --> 00:32:46,730 An ugly picture of jerry ramrattan, 706 00:32:46,798 --> 00:32:49,799 A rapist and schemer without conscience. 707 00:32:49,801 --> 00:32:52,003 - I was shocked. I can't believe 708 00:32:52,070 --> 00:32:54,204 That someone would sit there and create a story like this. 709 00:32:54,272 --> 00:32:56,473 Look at the sloppy police work that was done on my case, 710 00:32:56,541 --> 00:32:59,142 The evidence that they produced at trial. 711 00:32:59,211 --> 00:33:02,078 - Now it was the defense's turn. 712 00:33:02,147 --> 00:33:05,349 Jerry's lawyer, frank kelly, challenged seemona 713 00:33:05,417 --> 00:33:08,019 And her story of being held captive for hours 714 00:33:08,086 --> 00:33:09,619 Before being raped. 715 00:33:09,688 --> 00:33:11,421 - I thought it was just ridiculous that-- 716 00:33:11,423 --> 00:33:13,990 That my client would be there for hours and hours, 717 00:33:14,059 --> 00:33:16,027 Ordering chinese food, and, uh, 718 00:33:16,094 --> 00:33:17,927 Repeating the same thing over and over, 719 00:33:17,996 --> 00:33:19,429 "can I stay? Can I stay? 720 00:33:19,498 --> 00:33:21,298 "please don't tell the police after I leave." 721 00:33:21,300 --> 00:33:22,565 And it was just ridiculous. 722 00:33:22,634 --> 00:33:25,235 - Kelly ripped into the fingerprint evidence, 723 00:33:25,304 --> 00:33:27,104 Arguing that the one print found 724 00:33:27,172 --> 00:33:29,039 Was on a roll of duct tape, 725 00:33:29,107 --> 00:33:32,843 Not on the pieces allegedly used to bind and gag simona. 726 00:33:32,911 --> 00:33:35,378 - There was no proof that any of those pieces of duct tape 727 00:33:35,447 --> 00:33:37,113 Came from that particular roll. 728 00:33:37,182 --> 00:33:38,314 Of course his fingerprint was gonna be on 729 00:33:38,383 --> 00:33:40,984 The outside of one, um, he had placed it there 730 00:33:41,053 --> 00:33:42,786 On the bureau. - Kelly argued 731 00:33:42,854 --> 00:33:45,321 That the medical evidence was flimsy, too, 732 00:33:45,390 --> 00:33:47,525 Including the medical technician's report 733 00:33:47,592 --> 00:33:49,526 Of the genital laceration. 734 00:33:49,595 --> 00:33:50,861 - When he took a photograph of it, 735 00:33:50,929 --> 00:33:53,329 You couldn't see it. And he did admit 736 00:33:53,398 --> 00:33:55,999 That even on consensual sex, you can get such a- 737 00:33:56,001 --> 00:33:57,601 A laceration. The only thing 738 00:33:57,603 --> 00:33:59,269 I ever saw on any photograph 739 00:33:59,338 --> 00:34:02,539 Was one line across one of her, uh, forearms, 740 00:34:02,607 --> 00:34:05,275 But I couldn't tell you that was from duct tape. 741 00:34:05,344 --> 00:34:08,011 - Kelly dismissed the conspiracy charge, 742 00:34:08,013 --> 00:34:09,946 Telling the jury that part of the case 743 00:34:09,948 --> 00:34:11,915 Was built entirely on the testimony 744 00:34:11,984 --> 00:34:15,152 Of confessed liars. - These are lowlifes. 745 00:34:15,220 --> 00:34:16,886 They lied about everything, 746 00:34:16,888 --> 00:34:19,355 But it just takes any one juror to say 747 00:34:19,424 --> 00:34:22,625 "I don't believe these people, they are convicted perjurors, 748 00:34:22,694 --> 00:34:24,761 "I don't believe seemona sumasar because 749 00:34:24,830 --> 00:34:26,830 "she was in financial difficulties, 750 00:34:26,898 --> 00:34:28,431 "and she won't even admit that." 751 00:34:28,433 --> 00:34:30,367 - In the end, the defense asserted 752 00:34:30,436 --> 00:34:32,969 The case was really all about seemona, 753 00:34:32,971 --> 00:34:35,238 A woman in deep financial trouble 754 00:34:35,307 --> 00:34:38,842 Who turned against a man who loved and supported her, 755 00:34:38,910 --> 00:34:40,977 Framing him in a desperate effort 756 00:34:40,979 --> 00:34:44,181 To get her restaurant back. In a dramatic moment, 757 00:34:44,249 --> 00:34:46,916 Kelly presented a bill of sale in court, 758 00:34:46,985 --> 00:34:50,187 Showing seemona had sold the golden crust to jerry 759 00:34:50,189 --> 00:34:52,522 For $120,000. 760 00:34:52,591 --> 00:34:55,925 - When I actually saw that document, 761 00:34:55,994 --> 00:34:58,862 I-I thought he really lost his mind. 762 00:34:58,930 --> 00:34:59,796 - That's your signature there. 763 00:34:59,798 --> 00:35:00,864 - And-- - and it says you sold 764 00:35:00,932 --> 00:35:02,665 The restaurant for $120,000. 765 00:35:02,734 --> 00:35:04,268 - Um, I have to tell you that that signature 766 00:35:04,336 --> 00:35:06,670 Looks exactly like my signature. 767 00:35:06,738 --> 00:35:10,473 But I never signed that. And I never sold my business. 768 00:35:10,475 --> 00:35:15,078 And he doesn't have $120, much less $120,000 to give me. 769 00:35:15,147 --> 00:35:17,580 - Jerry did not take the stand, 770 00:35:17,582 --> 00:35:20,083 And the defense called no witnesses. 771 00:35:20,151 --> 00:35:21,751 - There's nothing to gain out of that. 772 00:35:21,820 --> 00:35:24,688 They didn't prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. 773 00:35:24,756 --> 00:35:26,155 I thought the juries would come back 774 00:35:26,225 --> 00:35:28,159 With a "not guilty" verdict. 775 00:35:28,226 --> 00:35:31,828 - After a three-week trial, it was over. 776 00:35:31,897 --> 00:35:34,298 Jerry's future-- and seemona's too-- 777 00:35:34,366 --> 00:35:36,466 Were now in the hands of a jury. 778 00:35:38,904 --> 00:35:41,271 - A tough task for jurors. 779 00:35:41,273 --> 00:35:43,240 - Once a case gets into the hands of the jury, 780 00:35:43,308 --> 00:35:45,442 You never know what's going to happen. 781 00:35:45,444 --> 00:35:48,512 - When "dateline: Secrets uncovered" continues. 782 00:35:58,155 --> 00:36:01,157 - For seemona sumasar, it had been an exhausting 783 00:36:01,226 --> 00:36:03,126 And emotional three weeks. 784 00:36:03,195 --> 00:36:06,262 The trial of her ex-boyfriend, jerry ramrattan, 785 00:36:06,331 --> 00:36:09,332 Had taken her back to the worst days of her life. 786 00:36:09,334 --> 00:36:11,001 - I can't believe that it's my life. 787 00:36:11,069 --> 00:36:13,804 It's something that should really be in a lifetime movie. 788 00:36:13,872 --> 00:36:15,939 Even that's a little- little bit too much. 789 00:36:16,007 --> 00:36:19,142 - And now that the case was in the hands of the jury, 790 00:36:19,211 --> 00:36:22,011 Seemona and prosecutor frank degaetano 791 00:36:22,080 --> 00:36:24,482 Were on edge. - I'm never confident. 792 00:36:24,549 --> 00:36:26,683 Once the case gets into the hands of the jury, 793 00:36:26,685 --> 00:36:29,085 You never know what's going to happen. 794 00:36:29,087 --> 00:36:31,087 - When deliberations got underway, 795 00:36:31,156 --> 00:36:33,022 The jury was divided. 796 00:36:33,091 --> 00:36:35,091 Tell me what the deliberations were like. 797 00:36:35,093 --> 00:36:36,559 - I mean, at first, um, 798 00:36:36,628 --> 00:36:40,697 You know, it seemed like it was gonna be 799 00:36:40,699 --> 00:36:43,633 More like a hung jury. - We spoke to five 800 00:36:43,635 --> 00:36:44,902 Of the jurors. 801 00:36:44,970 --> 00:36:46,504 So how many holdouts were there? 802 00:36:46,571 --> 00:36:50,641 - I'd say we probably started with three. 803 00:36:50,709 --> 00:36:52,375 - Three people leaning towards acquittal. 804 00:36:52,444 --> 00:36:55,044 - Right. - What about seemona? 805 00:36:55,114 --> 00:36:58,448 What were your thoughts as you looked out at her? 806 00:36:58,516 --> 00:37:01,185 - Strong woman. - That's-that's-- 807 00:37:01,253 --> 00:37:02,518 I was gonna say that, exactly. 808 00:37:02,587 --> 00:37:04,721 She is a strong woman. 809 00:37:04,789 --> 00:37:07,657 - You could see the emotion when she spoke, 810 00:37:07,726 --> 00:37:09,392 The tendons and everything, 811 00:37:09,461 --> 00:37:12,729 When she was reliving it in that moment. 812 00:37:12,731 --> 00:37:14,998 - This is gonna be hard to try to figure all this out, 813 00:37:15,066 --> 00:37:17,133 Because there was so many different things 814 00:37:17,135 --> 00:37:18,868 And so many contradictions. 815 00:37:18,870 --> 00:37:21,071 - The people versus jerry ramrattan... 816 00:37:21,139 --> 00:37:23,940 - The jurors struggled for ten long hours 817 00:37:23,942 --> 00:37:25,808 Before reaching a verdict. 818 00:37:25,877 --> 00:37:27,677 - Madame foreperson, 819 00:37:27,746 --> 00:37:29,946 As to count one, rape in the first degree, 820 00:37:30,015 --> 00:37:31,881 What is your verdict? - Guilty. 821 00:37:31,950 --> 00:37:35,285 - Jerry ramrattan, guilty of rape. 822 00:37:35,287 --> 00:37:37,621 - Guilty. - And guilty of a conspiracy 823 00:37:37,689 --> 00:37:40,023 That landed seemona in jail. 824 00:37:40,091 --> 00:37:41,291 - As to count eleven, 825 00:37:41,293 --> 00:37:43,760 Falsely reporting an incident in the third degree, 826 00:37:43,829 --> 00:37:45,629 What is your verdict? - Guilty. 827 00:37:45,697 --> 00:37:49,366 - The jury convicted him on eleven counts in all. 828 00:37:49,434 --> 00:37:50,900 - I only heard the rape charge, 829 00:37:50,969 --> 00:37:53,303 Because in my mind, ultimately, 830 00:37:53,371 --> 00:37:55,572 That's all they needed to convict him for. 831 00:37:55,574 --> 00:37:57,507 - Can you step outside this far enough to say 832 00:37:57,576 --> 00:37:58,908 That if I'm on the jury, 833 00:37:58,910 --> 00:38:00,510 And I'm hearing what this jury heard, 834 00:38:00,578 --> 00:38:02,912 This was a pretty easy slam dunk conviction. 835 00:38:02,981 --> 00:38:06,115 - No. It wasn't. The sloppy police work, 836 00:38:06,184 --> 00:38:10,253 Her story? They went on emotions 837 00:38:10,321 --> 00:38:12,255 More than actual physical evidence. 838 00:38:12,257 --> 00:38:14,657 - In the end, it was still a case 839 00:38:14,659 --> 00:38:16,592 Of he-said-she-said, 840 00:38:16,661 --> 00:38:20,731 And the jury had little trouble deciding who to believe. 841 00:38:20,799 --> 00:38:22,465 - What do you think about jerry now? 842 00:38:22,534 --> 00:38:24,667 - In many respects, I just-- I felt really sad 843 00:38:24,736 --> 00:38:26,470 And sorry for him, because, um, 844 00:38:26,538 --> 00:38:28,337 He was a flawed individual. 845 00:38:28,407 --> 00:38:30,406 - He did nothing but smirk 846 00:38:30,475 --> 00:38:33,143 And make faces and mouthed words 847 00:38:33,211 --> 00:38:36,946 And very exaggerated facial gestures, 848 00:38:37,015 --> 00:38:40,484 Um, very smug. Big turnoff. 849 00:38:40,552 --> 00:38:42,819 - He-he is that bee that has honey in the-- 850 00:38:42,887 --> 00:38:43,820 His mouth. 851 00:38:43,889 --> 00:38:45,322 But he has a sting in his teeth. 852 00:38:47,626 --> 00:38:49,826 - And that sting nearly destroyed 853 00:38:49,895 --> 00:38:53,096 Seemona sumasar's life. - Seemona sumasar. 854 00:38:53,164 --> 00:38:54,297 - At the sentencing, 855 00:38:54,299 --> 00:38:56,634 Seemona was given a chance to address the court. 856 00:38:56,701 --> 00:39:00,970 But instead, she spoke straight to jerry. 857 00:39:00,972 --> 00:39:02,839 - You made sure that I was left with nothing 858 00:39:02,841 --> 00:39:04,040 When you were done. 859 00:39:04,109 --> 00:39:07,577 Because you're evil. Ev-- you're just-- 860 00:39:07,646 --> 00:39:09,046 I do-I don't even have words for you. 861 00:39:09,114 --> 00:39:10,648 I don't. 862 00:39:10,715 --> 00:39:12,650 But I know that you're pro-evil, 863 00:39:12,717 --> 00:39:15,085 And you're a sociopath, and you need help. 864 00:39:15,154 --> 00:39:19,389 And I hope that you take and use your time wisely 865 00:39:19,391 --> 00:39:23,160 To get the help you need. - When jerry got his turn, 866 00:39:23,228 --> 00:39:25,329 He refused to take responsibility 867 00:39:25,397 --> 00:39:27,797 For his crimes. - It's fine. 868 00:39:27,799 --> 00:39:30,133 You know, whatever has to happen to today has to happen. 869 00:39:30,201 --> 00:39:32,235 I just know we're done and over with. 870 00:39:32,304 --> 00:39:35,939 I maintain my innocence, and there's more to come. 871 00:39:35,941 --> 00:39:37,273 It's not done. 872 00:39:37,342 --> 00:39:38,941 - As he delivered the sentence, 873 00:39:39,010 --> 00:39:42,412 Judge richard buchter said jerry deserved no mercy. 874 00:39:42,414 --> 00:39:44,280 - The evidence showed him to be 875 00:39:44,349 --> 00:39:46,415 A violent rapist, 876 00:39:46,485 --> 00:39:49,887 An evil and vindictive schemer. 877 00:39:49,954 --> 00:39:54,757 A sinister manipulator, a diabolical conniver. 878 00:39:54,826 --> 00:39:57,160 A man who coldheartedly endeavored to destroy 879 00:39:57,228 --> 00:40:00,163 An innocent victim, 880 00:40:00,231 --> 00:40:03,833 Who he himself had abused and raped. 881 00:40:03,902 --> 00:40:06,903 - The judge sentenced jerry ramrattan 882 00:40:06,971 --> 00:40:09,038 To 33 years in prison. 883 00:40:09,040 --> 00:40:13,377 He will not be eligible for parole until 2032. 884 00:40:13,445 --> 00:40:15,978 From behind bars, jerry still insists 885 00:40:16,047 --> 00:40:18,381 He's an innocent man, and puts the blame 886 00:40:18,449 --> 00:40:21,918 On seemona and his three co-conspirators. 887 00:40:21,987 --> 00:40:23,453 - We spoke to some of the jurors. 888 00:40:23,521 --> 00:40:24,455 - Mhm. - And they said 889 00:40:24,522 --> 00:40:26,857 They really believed seemona. - Mhm. 890 00:40:26,925 --> 00:40:29,192 - She was lying, in your view. 891 00:40:29,260 --> 00:40:31,928 - Yeah. I was shocked. 892 00:40:31,997 --> 00:40:33,730 - Did you ask any of these three people 893 00:40:33,732 --> 00:40:36,933 To concoct a story of seemona robbing them? 894 00:40:36,935 --> 00:40:39,602 - No. - They're bold-faced liars. 895 00:40:39,671 --> 00:40:41,939 - Oh yeah, and I'm sure in due time, 896 00:40:42,006 --> 00:40:43,140 A lot more stuff is gonna come out 897 00:40:43,208 --> 00:40:44,742 About all of them. - Everyone's lying, 898 00:40:44,809 --> 00:40:46,409 You're the only one telling the truth here. 899 00:40:46,477 --> 00:40:49,879 - Well, it doesn't matter what I say. 900 00:40:49,881 --> 00:40:52,015 Because I'm-I'm the fall guy right now. 901 00:40:52,017 --> 00:40:52,949 - I still think that 902 00:40:53,017 --> 00:40:56,085 He believes in half of the lies that he told, 903 00:40:56,154 --> 00:40:59,088 And he looks at me 904 00:40:59,090 --> 00:41:02,024 As the person that did this to him. 905 00:41:02,093 --> 00:41:03,894 I'm not that-- he did this to himself. 906 00:41:07,899 --> 00:41:11,200 - Seemona sumasar was a victim of two crimes, 907 00:41:11,270 --> 00:41:13,369 But it didn't end there. 908 00:41:13,371 --> 00:41:15,705 During the seven months she was in jail, 909 00:41:15,774 --> 00:41:17,907 She lost her home, her business, 910 00:41:17,976 --> 00:41:20,309 And was separated from her daughter. 911 00:41:20,311 --> 00:41:25,315 And now, she has to build her life yet again. 912 00:41:25,383 --> 00:41:28,919 The wheels of justice eventually turn in the right direction. 913 00:41:28,987 --> 00:41:31,854 But it must be hard to look at yourself 914 00:41:31,923 --> 00:41:34,658 As a winner. - It is. It is. 915 00:41:34,726 --> 00:41:36,794 He has turned my life upside-down. 916 00:41:36,861 --> 00:41:38,861 He has took everything away from me. 917 00:41:38,863 --> 00:41:41,330 Everything that I sacrificed for, 918 00:41:41,399 --> 00:41:43,734 Everything that I worked for. 919 00:41:43,801 --> 00:41:46,068 He even took my daughter away from me. 920 00:41:46,137 --> 00:41:48,404 Up-- turn her life upside-down. 921 00:41:48,473 --> 00:41:50,673 - Seemona sued new york city 922 00:41:50,742 --> 00:41:52,675 And two of its detectives. 923 00:41:52,744 --> 00:41:54,678 She also sued nassau county 924 00:41:54,746 --> 00:41:56,547 And one of its detectives. 925 00:41:56,614 --> 00:42:00,950 The city defendents settled for an undisclosed amount. 926 00:42:01,019 --> 00:42:04,854 After a federal court dismissed her claims for false arrest, 927 00:42:04,923 --> 00:42:07,790 The county defendents settled the remaining claims 928 00:42:07,859 --> 00:42:12,028 For $2 million. - It's literally kafkaesque. 929 00:42:12,097 --> 00:42:14,497 She couldn't have imagined this having happened to her. 930 00:42:14,499 --> 00:42:17,166 So I-in terms of how this affected her life, 931 00:42:17,235 --> 00:42:19,168 I mean, you-you couldn't invent 932 00:42:19,170 --> 00:42:21,704 A worse-a worse nightmare for her. 933 00:42:21,773 --> 00:42:25,375 - Sometimes the word "victim" implies someone weak. 934 00:42:25,443 --> 00:42:27,310 - Mhm. - You do-- how do you 935 00:42:27,378 --> 00:42:29,579 Wrestle with the term "victim"? How do you see yourself? 936 00:42:29,647 --> 00:42:31,047 - I don't wanna play the victim role. 937 00:42:31,115 --> 00:42:33,316 I-I'm stronger than that, I'm better than that. 938 00:42:33,318 --> 00:42:37,254 So you just have to let it go and say what's done is done, 939 00:42:37,322 --> 00:42:40,123 And just leave it alone. 940 00:42:40,125 --> 00:42:43,859 - That's all for this edition of "dateline: Secrets uncovered." 941 00:42:43,928 --> 00:42:46,864 I'm craig melvin. Thank you for watching.