‘Most Wanted’ criminal held on $10G bail

LYNN – One of Lynn’s most wanted criminals was ordered held on $10,000 cash bail Monday on charges of aggravated rape, kidnapping and endangerment of a child, according to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.Jason Rankins, 28, was picked up Friday night after Lynn police officers observed him as a passenger in a Cadillac.The car passed by police on River Street before an officer turned around and followed the vehicle, according to Lynn police spokesman Lt. Ted Blake. The vehicle was pulled over on Light Street where Rankins was arrested.Rankins has been wanted by police for about one year. He allegedly held a woman against her will, kidnapped and raped her in Lynn.Her young child witnessed the assault, authorities said.The Item featured Rankins in the newspaper’s weekly “Most Wanted” series April 7. His picture and information was also posted on the “Most Wanted” section of the Lynn police department’s Web site.Lynn Police Gang Unit officers Gary Hagerty and Michael DiMeglio, along with a Salem detective who is part of the North Shore Gang Task Force, happened to recognize Rankins when he was sitting in the car, Blake said.Prosecutor Meghan Taylor requested Rankins be held on $50,000 cash bail, but Judge Ellen Flatley ordered him held on $10,000.Flatley also issued a bail warning on Rankins, meaning if he gets into further legal trouble he could be incarcerated for 60 days.He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim, who has since filed a restraining order against Rankins, according to DA spokesman Steve O’Connell.Rankins is due back in Lynn District Court on July 22 for a pre-trial hearing. He is being represented by attorney Randi Potash.