BARNSTABLE — The Cape and Islands District Attorney’s office on Jan. 3 dropped rape charges against Mario Gerardi, citing concerns about the alleged victim’s credibility.
In March 2024, a grand jury had returned an indictment against Gerardi on 19 counts of rape of a child with force, according to court documents.
The case was closed after the District Attorney’s office entered a “Nolle Prosequi” with the court.
“Nolle Prosequi” is a legal term used in the criminal justice system to indicate that a prosecutor has decided to drop a case or claim.
First Assistant District Attorney Jessica Elumba submitted a document on Jan. 3 that reads, “the current state of the evidence raises concerns about the alleged victim’s credibility that impedes the Commonwealth’s ability to proceed at trial.”
The charges stemmed from incidents alleged to have happened 20 years ago when Gerardi was the boss of the individual who at the time was 14 years old, according to court comments.
Gerardi, of Wellfleet, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Calls to Gerardi’s attorney, Kyle Wibby, from the Committee for Public Counsel Services, were not returned.
Denise Coffey writes about business, tourism and issues impacting the Cape’s residents and visitors. Contact her at dcoffey@capecodonline.com .
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod DA’s office drops 19 child rape charges against Wellfleet man