Terence Crosbie is charged with raping the woman while visiting the US city as part of St Patrick's Day celebrations last year.
A fundraiser has been set up by family, friends and colleagues of Dublin firefighter Terence Crosbie, who is facing a second trial in the United States on charges of raping a woman in a Boston hotel, in a bid to support his legal defence.
Terence Crosbie is charged with raping the woman while visiting the US city as part of St Patrick's Day celebrations last year.
The 38-year-old father-of-two has been in custody for more than 18 months in the US and he is pleading not guilty as his second trial got underway on Thursday, October 16 in Suffolk Superior Court in Boston. His first trial in June ended in a mistrial.
Now, a fundraising campaign launched by relatives and friends of Crosbie has so far raised more than €34,000 of a €45,000 goal with contributions from over 200 donors.
The appeal organisers said in a statement on the fundraising page 'Terence Crosbie Defence' that "Crosbie's first trial ended without a verdict after a jury failed to reach a unanimous decision.
"A retrial has now been ordered, leaving the family facing further legal bills for attorneys, expert witnesses and trial preparation."
"Terry's legal team fought hard for him in his first trial," the organisers said. "But despite their efforts, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict.
"That means a second trial is now required and the fight continues."
The organisers said the ongoing costs of defending a case abroad are more than they can manage alone, and said that without additional funds, Crosbie may lose the legal team that has represented him since the beginning of the case.
"The emotional and financial toll of defending oneself abroad is more than any one family can bear alone," the organisers said.
In a statement, they described Terry as "a devoted husband, a loving father, and a loyal friend," adding that his wife and daughters "are counting down the days until they can hold him again."
"Your support can help ensure he receives the full and fair trial he deserves," they said.