Japanese Judo Champ Charged With Rape

Published December 27, 2011 11:18AM (EST)

TOKYO (AP) — Japanese prosecutors have filed rape charges against a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist.

Tokyo prosecutors said Masato Uchishiba, 33, was formally charged Tuesday. He is accused of raping a teenager at a hotel in September after intoxicating her with an alcoholic drink and taking advantage of her inability to resist. Her identity is withheld because she is a minor.

Police arrested Uchishiba in early December. He has denied the accusation, saying the sex was consensual.

He was fired as a judo coach in September by a university over sexual harassment allegations.

Uchishiba won gold in the 66-kilogram class at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. He has since retired from competition.

If convicted, he could face more than 3 years in prison.


By Salon Staff

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