Truck stop rape suspect pleads not guilty

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The suspect in a rape at a Fresno County truck stop on Halloween night says he's not guilty.

41-year-old Michael Stanford pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance Wednesday morning on four felony charges, including rape by force.

The judge won't allow Action News to show Stanford in court, but the suspect spoke out and told the judge he wanted the media to hear his side of the story.

The judge cut him off before he said anything else. Investigators say Stanford raped an employee at the Hillcrest Travel Plaza near Avenal last week.

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sex crimes, avenal, fresno county sheriff department, fresno county, local

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