Almaden Resident

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1991 rape case continues to be central in Carr, Sinunu DA race

By Monica Heger

The 15-year-old case of Daniel Lucas, the Stanford radiologist wrongfully accused of rape and later cleared with a declaration saying he was factually innocent, keeps bubbling up in Santa Clara County's race for district attorney. Candidates Karyn Sinunu and Dolores Carr both played a role in the case. As lead prosecutor, Carr pursued charges against Lucas. Sinunu, supervisor of the sexual assault unit at the time, pushed to have him cleared, saying the case was misguided.

The issue came up again Oct. 16 when the two squared off in a debate hosted by the Almaden Valley Community Association.

Sinunu, currently the chief assistant district attorney, the No. 2 position in the DA's office, hopes to get the vote with her willingness to correct mistakes in the system. Carr, who is now a Santa Clara County judge, is banking on the fact that her outside perspective on the DA's office will bring a breath of fresh air to the office.

"I worked with the police department to change the way we do lineups. ... I stopped the wrongful prosecution of a physician," said Sinunu, referring to Lucas. "I have never had a track record of being satisfied when there was wrong."

Carr said she was simply the prosecutor who brought the evidence to the judge, who determined it was sufficient to move forward with a trial.

"My opponent bears some responsibility for the decisions that were made," Carr said. "Don't put someone who creates the problem in charge of fixing it."

Carr said her ability to work well with police officers is important because the DA position requires a good collaborative effort to make sure the cases being brought forward are ready to be tried.