No charges filed in three reported rape cases in Columbia

COLUMBIA – Three reported rapes since February have not resulted in any charges, according to the Boone County Sheriff's Department.

The first rape — reported on Feb. 17 involving a 12-year-old victim and 14-year-old suspect — has been referred to the juvenile court.

The second, which was reported on March 3, is still under investigation and the results of laboratory analysis of evidence are still not available. It will be months before the results come back, said Maj. Tom Reddin. The victim was 14 years old, and the department doesn't have a suspect.

The third, reported on April 8, is still under investigation. Sheriff's deputies plan to interview more people. It will possibly be sent to the prosecuting attorney's office for consideration of the charges, Reddin said. The victim was 14 years old, and the suspect was 17 years old; the two knew each other.