Rape Charge Dismissed In East Washington Case

A Duquesne man accused of felony rape, sexual assault and burglary had his charges dismissed by District Justice Michael Manfredi on Monday morning at the preliminary hearing. Twenty four year old Barry Darnell Baker Jr. was accused by East Washington Police of showing up at an East Washington residence at 1:00 AM on September 21. The occupant allowed Baker to sleep on the floor for the night. Later in the morning Baker allegedly forced himself on the victim and tried to remove her clothes. Baker fled but later returned and stole two cell phones. Baker and his defense attorney were prepared to hold the hearing. Baker denied all allegations but the case fell apart when the witness decided not to cooperate. Baker will be freed from the Washington County jail where he has been housed since his arrest.