District Attorney Paul Howard Announces Guilty Plea in 2004 Rape of Midtown Atlanta Woman

Michael Love Admits to Sexual Assault, Robbery; Gets 30 Years

Atlanta— Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. (Atlanta Judicial Circuit) announces that, following his guilty plea, Michael Love (24) has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. On the morning he was set to go on trial for a 19 May 2004 sexual assault, Love pleaded guilty to rape, armed robbery, aggravated assault (two counts), burglary, theft by taking, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Love attacked the 45-year-old victim in her home on Argonne Avenue in midtown Atlanta. The victim was painting the interior of the townhouse and had left doors and windows open for ventilation when the defendant entered her home and assaulted her. He then stole her car, which he was caught driving the next day a short distance from the scene.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Hutcherson prosecuted. Atlanta Police Department Investigator W. Dickens and District Attorney’s Office Investigator Genard Tindal handled the investigation of the case, and Senior Judge Isaac Jenrette presided.

CONTACT: Erik Friedly, 404.224.0560 (office); 770.583.6069 (pager); erik.friedly@co.fulton.ga.us