A Westmoreland County Judge has rejected a bid to have a Hempfield man released from prison while he awaits trial.
The Tribune-Review reports that Westmoreland County Common Pleas Judge Rita Hathaway rejected the request of Harold M. Franks to be released on nominal bail pending his jury trial on charges of rape and assault against the same woman. Police believe that in October 2017, he reportedly raped and strangled the woman. The victim then went to the police. She later recanted the accusations, but authorities have proceeded with the investigation, saying they feel there is enough evidence to support the crimes he is accused of.
A jury trial is set for April.
