Charges dropped against Lynn rape, assault suspect

SALEM – Essex District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett’s office has had to drop rape, kidnapping and assault charges against a Lynn man because the victim in the case has died.John Smith, 45, of 8 Lafayette Park, #11, stood charged with aggravated rape, kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery in connection with a sexual assault on June 25.In Salem Superior Court Friday, Assistant District Attorney Michael Sheehan reported to Judge Robert A. Cornetta that he was dropping the case because the victim has died.The judge then ordered the case dismissed against Smith.Prosecutors accused Smith of beating, handcuffing and placing duct tape over the 24-year-old woman as he held her in his apartment and raped her at knifepoint, allegations he vehemently denied.Smith was indicted by an Essex County grand jury last October and had been free on bail.He was represented by public defender Christopher Norris.