Neb. judge dismisses 1999 sexual assault case

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A Lancaster County judge has dismissed a 1999 sexual assault case against a man who was brought back to Nebraska from South Carolina last year.

The Lincoln Journal Star (http://bit.ly/IaFwZf) says the judge dismissed the case against 34-year-old Gerardo Cruz at the state’s request.

Cruz was 21 in 1999, when police say he had sex with a 13-year-old girl. He was arrested on suspicion of first-degree sexual assault and disappeared after posting bond.

Cruz was arrested last June after a traffic stop in Lexington, S.C, and returned to Nebraska.

The judge dismissed the case on Monday, the day before Cruz’s trial. Prosecutors say the victim wasn’t cooperating and a witness had died.

Cruz was released from jail and into the custody of immigration officials.

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Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, http://www.journalstar.com