Rape Charges Dropped, Man Released From St. Francois County Jail

A man that had been charged with second-degree rape on October 9th in St. Francois County has seen the charge dismissed as new evidence has emerged.

The Daily Journal reports that 35-year old Jesus Rodriguez was released from the St. Francois County Jail on Friday after previously being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond.

A woman had reported that Rodriguez came to her residence in Park Hills and forced himself on her.

Rodriguez had admitted to kissing the woman, but denied any type of intercourse.

The case is dropped after St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Gilliam expressed an inability to meet the burden of proof.