Graham Still Wants King to Investigate Rape Case Hearing

Although Superior Court Judge Herbert Abrams yesterday revoked his decision to suspend the prison sentences of five men who Monday pleaded guilty to the rape of a Whitman, Mass., woman, State Rep. Saundra Graham from Cambridge continued to call for Gov. Edward J. King to investigate whether Abrams handled the case properly.

Abrams came under fire Monday after he gave the men suspended three-to-five-year sentences and fined each $500. King said Thursday that he was "outraged" by the leniency of the sentencing and asked another Superior Court judge to review the case.

But Graham said yesterday King's actions "don't deal with the issues," repeating earlier demands that King assemble a blue ribbon panel of women lawyers to investigate the case.

Graham added that the reconsideration of the case does not obviate the need for an investigation of Abrams' decision.

Chris Toomey, a spokesman for King, said yesterday the governor had not yet responded to Graham's request, but added that it was unlikely King would agree to it.