NORTHAMPTON — A Holyoke man pleaded not guilty Friday in Hampshire Superior Court to two rape charges.
Mercedes F. Diaz, 46, allegedly raped a woman on Dec. 15, 2017, at a Northampton residence, according to court documents. He had previously been arraigned on similar charges in Northampton District Court on Dec. 26, 2017.
The Gazette does not generally identify alleged victims of sexual assault.
The woman reported the incident to Northampton Police on Dec. 21, 2017, according to court documents. She told officers she had been drinking with Diaz in the presence of two other coworkers after a shift at a city restaurant before going home. Diaz allegedly came home with the woman and another person. After becoming sick, the woman went to bed in her room and locked the door, according to court documents. She told police she was talking on her phone when Diaz walked into her room.
In court documents, officers stated that the bedroom door lock could be easily unlocked from outside the room. The woman told police she kept telling Diaz to leave but he wouldn’t and then allegedly assaulted her, according to court documents.
The day after the woman reported the incident to police, Diaz came into the Northampton Police Station although police said they did not contact him nor had they requested he come into the station. While there, Diaz confirmed to police he had been drinking with the woman and denied forcing himself onto her and said the sexual interaction was consensual.
Following his arraignment Friday, Diaz was released on conditions that he stay away and have no contact with the alleged victim. He is being represented by attorney Korrina Burnham, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 13.
Emily Cutts can be reached at ecutts@gazettenet.com.