Cook: The system failed me – my rapist walks free
Letter to the editor
I never thought I’d be writing this, but the time has come to speak out and share my story publicly. On April the 6th, I was raped by Jeremy Cunningham, a man I met through a dating app. What followed was not just the trauma of the assault itself but the deep, ongoing frustration of a broken justice system that failed me at every turn. Jeremy Cunningham still walks free, and I refuse to stay silent any longer.
When I reported the crime, I expected the system to protect me. I sought justice and safety through the proper channels, but time and again, I was let down. Detective McCazzio, the detective assigned to my case by GPD, did not treat it with the urgency or seriousness it deserved. I called repeatedly for updates, only to hear the same excuses and empty promises. I felt like I was fighting for my life, but the system was fighting against me. Worse still, I was denied a restraining order multiple times, leaving me feeling even more vulnerable.
In July, a sworn complaint was filed for two counts of sexual battery, but the State Attorney’s office ultimately decided not to prosecute Jeremy, claiming there wasn’t enough evidence to move forward—even though there was physical proof of the assault and a history of criminal behavior. It felt like a slap in the face, like my pain and fear didn’t matter. How could the justice system ignore the evidence? How could they allow him to walk away, knowing what he had done?
But this story isn’t just about me. It’s about the other potential victims Jeremy Cunningham may prey on in the future. He hides behind a facade of normalcy, claiming to be a manager at The Enclave and interacting with unsuspecting people every day. I believe it’s my duty to warn others of who he really is—a rapist, a predator. I can no longer stand by and allow him to continue living his life without anyone knowing what he has done.
I know I am not the only one who has been failed by the system, and I want to raise awareness about the gaps that leave survivors like me feeling powerless. The justice system is supposed to protect us, yet in my case, it allowed a violent man to walk free. I think it is important that we start holding people like Jeremy Cunningham accountable and that we demand better from the system that is supposed to deliver justice.
I am sharing my story, not just for myself, but for every survivor who feels silenced, for every woman who lives in fear, and for everyone who believes that justice should be served. Jeremy Cunningham’s actions will not go unnoticed, and I will continue to speak out until he is held accountable.
Alyx Cook, Gainesville
Editor’s note: Public records confirm that this incident was reported to Gainesville Police Department and a sworn complaint was filed; the charges were later dropped.
The opinions expressed by letter or opinion writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of AlachuaChronicle.com. Assertions of facts in letters are similarly the responsibility of the author. Letters may be submitted to info@alachuachronicle.com and are published at the discretion of the editor.
Sorry this has happened to you. However you will probably not appreciate my following statements. If the SAO feels they cannot go forward based on a lack of evidence, they cannot and will not go forward. Perhaps as time passes maybe some other evidentiary items may surface that will allow them to reopen the case. There is no statue of limitations on sexual battery cases. Detective Macazzio is a long time GPD employee and a heck of a detective who knows the job well. Lastly, a word of caution regarding slandering folks online, it could result in your involvement in a civil lawsuit for defamation. I would attempt to better understand why the state couldn’t move forward in this case.
I understand that the SAO’s needs sufficient evidence to move forward, and I respect the legal process. However, it’s incredibly to accept that justice depends on evidence that, in cases like these, can be challenging to obtain. I posted about my experience not to defame anyone but to share my story, hoping it may help others who feel voiceless or unsupported. Detective Mccazzio might have handled other cases better, but he treated mine with no urgency at all when I was in danger, GPD has a bad reputation overall
Was there DNA evidence in the rape kit?
How long did you date him and what was the dating app?
I understand why you’re asking about the DNA. Waiting on those results can take months, and in my case, the system didn’t even wait for them to come back before closing my case. So the outcome of it does not matter at the end of the day if my case is already closed
Dear Alyx, thank you for speaking up for women. You are a brave and courageous young woman my heartfelt respect and gratitude to you.
So you DID get a rape kit? Did the examination detect evidence of violence and involuntary intercourse?
Cops have to be wary of next morning regrets, when a guy never calls back later, etc. being confused as “rape.”
Yes, I did undergo a rape kit examination, and it showed physical injuries. Let me be clear: I did not confuse this as anything other than what it was, rape. I did not mistake this for “he didn’t call back later” or any other excuse. It was rape, and the physical evidence proves that. The case was closed before the results were even ready. I’m not even sure if those results are even back yet, considering now long the process takes. The fact that the system closed my case before all the evidence could even be reviewed shows just how broken it is. You think this was an easy decision for me? To wake up one day and decide, “I should publish my story”? I’m being bashed in the comments by what I can only assume are men, completely invalidating my experience and calling me a liar. Even if the court finds him not guilty, that doesn’t mean what he did, didn’t happen. The fact that I’m sharing this story despite all the criticism and disbelief is a testament to the strength it takes to stand up for myself. I have to be twice as strong as all of these commenters to stand in my truth. I’m not here for validation or sympathy, but to raise awareness about the failures of a broken system that leaves survivors like me without justice. I’ll continue standing by my truth, no matter how many people try to tear it down.
Hi Alyx,
Do not let a handful of commenters deter you. If you are going to continue to speak up I’d recommend ignoring the comment section, or at least ignore the petty comments. You don’t need to respond to every detractor. You obviously truly feel you were wronged or else you would not have published this letter and promptly defended yourself in the comments. If you think you should fight then fight and screw what random people say. The truth always comes out in the end. Godspeed
Those are important points, thank you.
Thank you for speaking up. I’m sorry this happened to you. I have heard that sometimes victims feel like they are violated twice. Once by the perp and again by the system
Rape kits are not processed quickly in Florida. It is likely that the evidence was never processed.
https://victimservicecenter.org/our-services/sexual-assault-services/forensic-exam-locations/
I have no familiarity with Alyx’s case, but from what she’s saying, I suspect this to be the case.
Question is…. What is the lack of evidence???
Where is the lack of information??
Sounds like to me something doesn’t make sense.
And thankfully we do have a judicial system…. Innocent people in jail for false claims…. But on the positive side, it’s easier to sort they true and false claims so sex Offenders stay off of the street for good
There was overwhelming physical evidence and I gave as much information as I could. Its confusing and frustrating when I hear about so many cases where survivors feel unheard or dismissed, especially when these situations are already so hard to prove. I agree with the importance of a fair judicial system and keeping innocent people from being wrongfully convicted. However, I also hope we find ways to support survivors and strengthen the evidence gathering process so justice can truly be served, both for those falsely accused and those impacted by these crimes
I’m hoping you find closure and one day justice.
Until then, I also hope you have taken it upon yourself to obtain the proper self protection afforded to us by the 2nd Amendment and the State of Florida. Self defense works if administered correctly within the law and without opposing witnesses…
Serious question here for the AC… What merits printing this? I’m sincerely sorry about whatever happened to the author, but running a piece where the author blatantly states the man is a rapist absent any proof is absurd. While the “justice” system does not always provide justice, the State Attorney’s Office must feel it can meet the burden of proof required to sustain a conviction before formally filing charges. I would hope the AC wouldn’t run a hit piece about a man who had been found not guilty at trial, and for a case to go to trial, the state would have even more proof and evidence the alleged was guilty.
Furthermore, there wasn’t even enough evidence to get a restraining order here. Why the author would believe that if a judge wasn’t convinced enough to issue a restraining order, that the SAO would somehow file formal charges is beyond me.
It’s telling that the system’s shortcomings are being used as justification to silence survivors voices. I understand the SAO needs to meet a certain burden of proof to move forward, but that doesn’t erase what happened or make my experience any less real. Just because the legal system couldn’t take action doesn’t mean my story is invalid or that I should remain silent. Too often, survivors are discouraged from speaking out because of exactly this attitude, that without a conviction, we’re somehow less credible. Sharing my experience isn’t about labeling someone without evidence; it’s about shedding light on a flawed system that often fails survivors and leaves offenders unaccountable. The need for change is real, and silencing voices only perpetuates the problem, and people like you, are obviously part of the problem
I am not encouraging you personally to stay silent. I am stating it is bad business for a source of “news” in 2024, when most media is already deemed untrustworthy, to publish a letter to the editor that makes extremely serious allegations against a named person, whose case was already reviewed by both judges and state attorneys and was found to be without prosecutorial merit. Believing in the concept of citizens being innocent until proven guilty does not make me “part of the problem.”
Your defense of ‘innocent until proven guilty’ ignores the reality that the legal system doesn’t always deliver justice, especially for survivors of sexual violence. Declining to prosecute isn’t the same as innocence, it’s a reflection of a system that demands almost impossible standards of proof, often leaving survivors without options. The media’s role is not just to report convictions but to shed light on issues that otherwise remain hidden, especially when the system fails to act. Dismissing my experience as ‘bad business’ shows exactly why survivors feel silenced. If more people understood how common it is for cases like mine to go unprosecuted, we’d be much closer to reforming a broken system that serves too few and protects too many offenders.
Demanding silence because the system ‘found no merit’ doesn’t make you impartial, it makes you part of a culture that would rather preserve comfort than confront the truth. Also, the AC doesn’t care about what you think about what they post
Alyx, I fully grasp that “innocent until proven guilty” does not mean that one is truly innocent. That is why people tried by jury are found “not guilty” instead of “innocent.” I will never agree with publishing unverified claims of rape, especially after someone’s case has already been dropped. That said, I hope you find some peace.
Dropped cases don’t mean claims are “unverified” they mean the system didn’t have enough to move forward, not that the events didn’t happen. Dismissing survivors stories as “unverified” just because the case was dropped only adds to the silence and stigma we already face. I already have found my peace by exposing him and standing up for myself
I don’t know if it was a good idea for the AC to have printed this story…there are so many details left out… I’m not liking this.
I’m not sure how many details you expect from a failed rape case. This is a personal story, and sharing it was not an easy decision, especially when I read comments like this. I know some may not agree with posting my story, but I’m honoring my truth. I will never get justice in the way most people expect, but my experience still deserves to be seen. The AC is a news website, this is no different from any other crime related news story
Our state attorney likely dropped the charges not because there wasn’t enough evidence to go forward to trial but because he’s more concerned with his conviction rate than he is pursuing justice. And if it wasn’t a slam dunk then he didn’t want to risk it.
It’s that simple. Your life, your mental health, trying to protect your rapist’s next victims — these things are not as important as his chance of re-election.
And that isn’t the detective’s fault at all. It’s the state attorney’s decision and our local law enforcement are also frustrated by the state attorney’s weakness. They arrest them, the state lets them out.
Also, I am so sorry this happened to you. Both the assault and the lack of protection and justice from the system.
🤣😂
Don’t know if you’ve checked the stats, but it’s usually the victims who fail to press charges. Especially if the charges are against alleged gang members.
I see the laughing emoji, and I understand that not everyone will fully grasp the gravity of what I’m sharing. This isn’t about making a political statement or pointing fingers, it’s about sharing my personal experience and the very real challenges survivors face. I also want to clarify that it’s often victims like me who try to press charges, even when it feels like the system isn’t on our side. I pressed charges and did everything I could to seek justice, but the case was closed before some of the evidence even came back. This isn’t about gangs or any other specific group, it’s about the system failing survivors, regardless of who the accused is.I’m not asking for sympathy; I’m standing in my truth, hoping to raise awareness and help others who’ve experienced similar pain. Everyone’s journey is different, but this is mine, and I’m sharing it to let others know they’re not alone.
The laughing is for Loser Reynolds for implying the SAO was “more concerned with his conviction rate than he is pursuing justice.”
I feel for you and hope only the best for you. I couldn’t imagine having to go through what you’ve described.
@ L Reynolds: the prosecutor was actually a woman. Not a “he.”
Another prime example of laziness & inexperienced pettyfoggers who call themselves attorneys.
“Hand us a smoking gun” maybe we will act on it, then maybe we wont.
This is why the skells come to the 8th circuit to practice their criminal arts.
I understand Electric Boogaloo’s point of view. and also feel for Alyx Cook but AC provides a good forum to discuss issues. Thanks.
It sounds like this young woman has been through a lot and I hate it for her. I understand frustration and even anger in these situations. My fear is that she has just opened herself up to lawsuits by naming the person she claims did this to her. He has not been charged and even a restraining order was not issued which leaves him an innocent in the eyes of the law. She called him a rapist with no proof which opens the door for her to have even more problems in a court room. That is sad, it may be unfair but none the less at the moment is the way it is
As mentioned in the editor’s note, probable cause was found to file a sworn complaint. Anyone can look up the charges in the court system.
Unfortunately, while you can see the charges in the court system, you cannot view even a redacted version of the sworn complaint, so the only thing we know is the detective believed there was probable cause. What the man is alleged to have done in committing these acts is still unclear.
The State Attorney reviewing the case may well have believed there was no probable cause, and we know from the failed restraining order attempts the judge in the civil case didn’t believe there was enough there. Law enforcement submitting charges for possible prosecution doesn’t actually mean that probable cause ever existed.
For the sake of journalistic integrity I would think a redacted police report and sworn complaint would help readers develop a far more educated opinion on the matter.
They are public records, and anyone can request them from Gainesville Police Department using the name of the defendant. The incident date on the report is May 24, 2024.
So you’re calling me a liar? People like you, let’s be clear, men like you, refuse to acknowledge what I’m saying and keep hiding behind “the court of law” as if that system isn’t broken, especially for survivors like me. You ask what “proof” I should have provided, was I supposed to film it? I had physical injuries he inflicted on me, but even that wasn’t enough. You twist my story to fit your own assumptions while ignoring the reality that women deserve to live free from this constant dismissal and doubt. You obviously can’t handle that, so please kindly remove yourself from this conversation.
Calling him a “rapist with no proof” what kind of proof are you expecting? I had physical injuries, and still, that wasn’t enough to convince the system to take action. There will never be enough proof to satisfy everyone, especially when the system is so broken. What happened to me is real, and the fact that he wasn’t charged doesn’t change that. It’s not for you or anyone else to worry about whether I’m opening myself up to lawsuits, that’s between him and me. I’m sharing my story, not for legal debate, but to honor my truth and raise awareness about the reality survivors face. As for the comment “it is the way it is,” I can assure you that the law will never bring me the justice I deserve. That’s the sad truth many survivors live with. There is enough evidence to show that what happened to me was real, and I’ll leave it at that. I won’t go into further details to try to convince anyone who refuses to understand. Just because someone is proven not guilty in a court of law doesn’t mean they are innocent, especially in rape cases, where the system is almost structured to fail from the start.
You are arguing to without cause. I’m not for one second saying it didn’t happen. It took a lot for you to share your story and it is a sad one. My concern for you is that you named him when you could have told your story without using his name. If you don’t like the concern then why share your story? I would hope the last thing anyone would want would be for more bad things to happen you. As for your argument ” just because he isn’t guilty in court doesn’t mean he isn’t guilty” was never an argument I made. What I raised was a concern that since you used his name and there is nothing finalized in court one way or the other, that could open the door to more legal stuff for you and that sucks. You can say whatever you want to say whenever you want to say it. I certainly was not knocking you for that. If I had not believed your story there would have been no reason for concern on my part and I would have just ignored your letter or said something horrible like some of the other comments
First of all, I’m not arguing, I’m engaging in an open conversation, and that’s what this space is for. Thank you for your concern, but at the end of the day, it’s not for you to worry about. I named him because he deserves to be named for the horrible things he did. It’s okay if you don’t agree with that, but I’m not seeking anyone’s validation but my own. The truth is powerful, and it will always stand. I will leave it at that
If the following statement is true And i have no reason not to belive it GPD, did not treat it with the urgency or seriousness it deserved. I called repeatedly for updates, only to hear the same excuses and empty promises
You just read some one is covering some ass. my ex vise is to reach out to a lawyer if you can’t afford one go to legal aid they have a office in gainesville seek counseling
GPD & the SAO take these things very seriously…maybe they need more time & evidence to prosecute…I do not think it was wise for the AC to have printed this story from a liability standpoint…definitely seek counseling …sorry you may feel hurt by the comments. I don’t think this was an appropriate venue to be cross examined by people who read your story with so many facts missing…every pancake has 2 sides.
“Maybe they need more time”? My case was closed before they even reviewed all the evidence, despite physical injuries and a rape kit. I didn’t share my story to make anyone comfortable or get permission on what’s “appropriate.” This is a forum for open conversation, and people deserve to know how the system actually treats survivors. And “liability”? That’s not for you to worry about. My story is about truth and justice, not protecting egos.
I extend my deepest sympathies for all parties to this controversy. Since the McAdams matter, GPD his been vilified by the Gainesville City Commission. Violent crime of all kinds has surged. The homeless problem dogs the police. GPD is unable to fill budgeted positions and so is our Sheriff. Local law enforcement is overwhelmed and this has been the case for a long time.
Calling my story a “controversy” is part of the problem. This isn’t about politics or budget issues, this is about a serious crime that was mishandled. GPD can blame staffing shortages all they want, but that doesn’t excuse closing my case before the evidence was even reviewed. Challenges don’t excuse failure. My story isn’t some political debate or “controversy.” It’s the reality of what happens when survivors are let down by the system.
I am not in a position to assign blame to anyone. There is also a civil court to air concerns. Not enough people are willing to attempt to police our community and the consequences of that affect us all.
As Mr. Konish notes, there is also civil court. Have you met with an attorney to consider suing the person?
Well we are in a new woman hating era. Of course the cops don’t care, literally the whole country is against us. What a time to be alive, right? And they want us to bear their miserable children. I see lots of single men dying childless and alone.
No: you have a problem with men…
There’s lots of unhinged crazy women out there…
You did not add anything constructive to the comments…
I have confidence that they put bad people away if there’s evidence to prove it.
And I have confidence men like you will have no children and no wives. Its all your fault this miserable administration is going to destroy us. I really hope you like dying alone. All of you deserve it.
Alyx, I feel terrible for what happened to you and I don’t know anything about the people, the case or evidence but the odds are that you are telling the truth.
Rape case type 1 is the guy is a stranger, there is evidence he broke in to your place or accosted you and there is dna evidence.
Usually there are other victims and there is a good chance of convicting the guy so the police and DA will prosecute.
Rape case type 2 is the date rape case.
There is little evidence, it’s a he said.. she said and she went out with him willingly but then refused sex and he had sex with her against her will.
Rape case type 2 is difficult if not impossible to prosecute.
For every witness against the accused, he can produce just as many that say he is a boy scout who helps old ladies across the street.
It frankly sucks and I feel for you, I really do. A similar thing happened to a friend of mine and she never went to the cops because she knew nothing would happen to the accuser.
Honestly the main reason that date rape cases are hard to prosecute is besides the lack of evidence and he said she said, is because there are so many proven LIARS.
See the Duke Lacrosse case and so many others. These women lie for whatever reason, ruin they men’s lives and when they are proven liars, nothing happens to them. If we prosecuted those who lie and file bogus charges on someone then it would go a long way to start prosecuting these cases.
Lies. Statistically 2-8 percent of rape cases are deemed false. Thats not a lot. You must be mansplaining her, huh sex predator? Bet I know what subhuman monster you voted for. Don’t act like you care. WE are well versed in how hateful and bigoted this state is.
We will not have time to take care of you when you are old, so lets all hope you boomers have enough money to pay someone to care about you. Guess what? Your fake god was never real. When you die it all goes black and your money does not matter anymore!
Wow, I’m sorry that I explained REALITY to everyone.
Do I like it that date rapers get away with it and the poor women suffer with no justice —absolutely NOT.
But in our justice system the accused is innocent until proven guilty and then are found guilty by a jury of their peers based on the evidence. This protects people from baseless charges. The problem is in a date rape situation there is little evidence and he said she said…almost impossible to get a conviction.
I do laugh that you assume that I am a male Maga supporting Boomer. Actually I did not vote for Trump or Harris and I’m not a boomer but I am a man.
If you hate this state so much, why don’t you move to that great Left Wing run conclave of San Francisco ? You’ll fit right in there.
Laughing: agreed.
Some people like to be a victim to gain attention…i hope this is not the case of “The boy who cried wolf”…
Calling this “crying wolf” is ignorant and dismissive. No one who has been through real trauma would risk public scrutiny for attention. I’m sharing my story to shed light on the reality survivors face and the failure of the system to protect us. Comments like yours only prove how much people need to understand the real, lasting impact of this kind of trauma. My story is my truth, and I won’t be silenced by shallow judgments.
Moral of the story?
meeting strangers on dating apps can be dangerous.
There’s horrible Craig’s list stories out there where people have been murdered.
Hopefully you can get some counseling to help with your anger.
You should have stabbed the SOB with a knife!
Moral of the story is she learned the hard way why so many date rapes are under reported
Yeah, and always carry some sort of weapon
Me thinks traitors and losers like you love to say, go somewhere else, when I was here first. This is not your miserable country. You boomers will die out soon enough. Hope your money takes care of you when you can’t, no one else will.
Gainesville’s officials are selected for their political correctness. Not their ability.
Whether applicable to this case or not:
Women, never meet a new date in private. Unless you have other illegal plans, too.