Lack of DNA leads to reduced charges in sex case

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Prosecutors say DNA tests failed to tie a man charged with first-degree rape to the crime and led to his plea to lesser charges.

The State-Journal reported (http://bit.ly/1t23Isy ) that 43-year-old Red Bryant pleaded guilty Friday to sexual misconduct, a class A misdemeanor, for having intercourse with a 14-year-old girl.

He was originally indicted in November 2012 in Frankfort, along with 53-year-old Dean Taylor, for first-degree rape.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Emily Wilkey says the lack of conclusive test results influenced their decision to allow the plea to a lesser charge.

Bryant will be sentenced Nov. 14.

Taylor’s charges include rape, cultivation of five or more marijuana plants and two counts of unlawful transaction with a minor. Those are still pending in Franklin Circuit Court.

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Information from: The State Journal, http://www.state-journal.com

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