Family, Friends Say Man Wrongfully Convicted Of Rape

WOODLAND, Calif. (CBS13) -- Supporters marched in Woodland on Wednesday to demand that the rape conviction for a man be overturned, claiming that he was falsely accused and convicted of a crime he did not commit.

At least 100 people rallied from Freeman Park to the steps of the Yolo County Court to show their support for Ajay Dev, who has served two years of a nearly 400 year sentence on sexual assault charges.

Ajay's wife, Peggy Dev, is leading the effort to appeal his conviction and says it is "absolutely not" possible that he is guilty.

Friends and family said they believe an lie snowballed into a case and a conviction, arguing that the accusers anger and fear of deportation led to false allegations.

"I used to believe in the justice system," said Bev Taylor, Ajay's mother. "I can't believe in it any more."

The group of supporters said they hope their demonstration shows they're serious about pursuing an appeal and overturning Ajay's conviction.