Rape charges dropped against Lynn man

LYNN – The rape case against a Lynn man arrested in April has been dismissed, according to Lynn District Court documents.James Bresnahan, 48, of 130 Neptune Blvd. #806, was arrested April 26 and charged with a single count of rape.Prosecutors had requested $500,000 cash bail but Judge James Wexler only held him on $2,500 bail after doubts were raised about the alleged victim at Bresnahan’s arraignment shortly following his arrest.According to court documents, Judge Michael Lauranzano dismissed the case against Bresnahan on Aug. 7.The alleged victim told police she and her boyfriend, who were both homeless, slept at Bresnahan’s apartment April 25. The woman alleged Bresnahan asked the boyfriend to leave around midnight before he forced the woman into a bedroom and raped her.She told police Bresnahan held a pillow over her face during the sexual assault and said afterward, “Don’t tell anybody or I’ll kill you.”A public defense attorney sharply contested the alleged victim’s accusations, saying both she and her boyfriend are known drug users who have a reputation for crime.The attorney said Bresnahan had in recent months abstained from using alcohol and drugs and got upset with the couple after they began popping pills at his home.He said Bresnahan’s sister was home in the small apartment during the alleged rape and didn’t hear any commotion. His sister was in court during the arraignment crying throughout the hearing.Bresnahan was facing 20 years in prison if the case had gone to trial.Details surrounding Lauranzano’s decision were unavailable.