Judge dismisses man's molestation charges

4/13/2005

Charges were dismissed yes-terday against a 72-year-old Toledo man accused of molesting a teenage boy.

Rondle Carroll of 5867 Live Oak Drive was to go on trial in Lucas County Common Pleas Court on three counts of rape and four counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. However, Judge James Bates dismissed the charges after county prosecutors said they were not ready to proceed with the case.

Lori Olender, an assistant county prosecutor, said she'd present the case to the grand jury to indict Mr. Carroll again or resolve the case with the filing of a bill of information.

Ms. Olender said the victim and the detective who investigated the case were not available to testify. Prosecutors also needed to interview other witnesses, she said.

Mr. Carroll was found not guilty Nov. 3 of three counts of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. He was accused of showing pornographic videos to three boys, ages 12, 13, and 14, in his home in April, 2004.