![New Evidence Leads To Dismissal Of Rape Charge Against North Adams Man](http://townsquare.media/site/922/files/2018/04/COURT.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Evidence Leads To Dismissal Of Rape Charge Against North Adams Man
A rape charge against a North Adams man was dropped Friday after new evidence surfaced.
The Berkshire Eagle reports that 33-year old Gerald Richardson was charged with raping a woman in a tent last July, after a night of drinking.
The incident, reported to North Adams Police the next day by a 26-year-old woman, was alleged to have occurred behind a North Holden Street residence.
However, Facebook messages between Richardson and the alleged victim were brought forward in February by his attorney, Edmund St. John III.
The messages, according to St. John, dated July 7, 2017, and July 8, 2017, demonstrate that the sexual encounter between the defendant and the complainant was consensual.
On Friday, prosecutors officially dropped the charges of rape and indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years old. A single count of assault and battery against Richardson remains open.
More From WNAW AM
![5 Things You Shouldn’t Be Doing At Cumberland Farms In Massachusetts](http://townsquare.media/site/922/files/2024/07/attachment-attachment-Untitled-design-26.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MA Residents: Catch A Concert In The Heart Of Lenox!](http://townsquare.media/site/918/files/2021/09/attachment-Party-in-the-Park.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Massachusetts Pizza Spot Ranks Among the Top U.S. Restaurants for 2024](http://townsquare.media/site/919/files/2024/07/attachment-Pizza11.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Massachusetts Absolute Best Deli is This Family-Run Sandwich Joint](http://townsquare.media/site/919/files/2024/07/attachment-Reuben4.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![MA Residents: Our Communication Skills Have Gone Out The Window!](http://townsquare.media/site/918/files/2021/02/Phone-Apps.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Massachusetts is Home to One of the Top 20 Rudest Cities in the U.S.](http://townsquare.media/site/920/files/2024/07/attachment-rude-pic.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![If You’re Looking For The Best Burger In Massachusetts, Look Here!](http://townsquare.media/site/920/files/2024/07/attachment-juicyburger.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Nationwide Listeria Recall Involves Veggies From Walmart & Aldi](http://townsquare.media/site/920/files/2024/03/attachment-freshvegetables.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Massachusetts is the Home of 3 of the Most Delicious Beers in the U.S.](http://townsquare.media/site/919/files/2024/07/attachment-Beer.jpg?w=980&q=75)