Rape case dropped

— Prosecutors have dropped the case against a Decatur man arrested in connection with the rape of a 16-year-old girl.

Donald Willard Ferrell, 53, was charged with rape, a Class Y felony punishable with 10 to 40 years in prison or life imprisonment.

He was arrested June 17 on suspicion of raping the teenage girl.

Ferrell’s case was on Circuit Judge Robin Green’s docket Monday.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Bonnie Bridges filed a motion seeking to nolle prosequi the case. Nolle prosequi is a formal entry on the record by the prosecuting officer bywhich he declares he will not prosecute the case further, according to Black’s Law Dictionary.

Bridges said the girl, who lives out of state, would not cooperate with the prosecution and failed to respond to two certified letters seeking her assistance.

Green granted Bridges’ motion.

The girl originally reported to Barry County, Mo., sheriff’s deputies that Ferrell raped her two years earlier at his Decatur residence, according to court documents. The teen also claimed Ferrell raped her on different occasions at her Missouri home.

Prosecutors have a year from the day the order is entered to refile the charge.

News, Pages 13 on 12/22/2010