Toledo man pleads not guilty in rape case

8/8/2007

A central Toledo man accused of breaking into the home of a disabled woman and raping her was arraigned yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Rizharr Holmes, 22, of 1039 Nebraska Ave. pleaded not guilty to one count of aggravated burglary and two counts of rape. He was being held in the Lucas County jail in lieu of $75,000 bond. Judge James Bates set a Sept. 4 trial date. If convicted, Holmes faces up to 10 years in prison on each count.

Holmes is accused of breaking into the victim s home near Monroe Street and Collingwood Boulevard through a back window on July 13 and raping the occupant, who is in her 60s.

The victim was able to press her medical alert button several times, notifying authorities. Her assailant fled when he heard sirens, police said.