Prosecutors Drop Charge After Witness Found Dead

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Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio

AUBURN, Maine (AP) Prosecutors say the alleged victim in a sex trafficking case who was scheduled to testify against her fiance has been found dead.

The Sun Journal reports Assistant District Attorney Nathan Walsh says he will dismiss the felony sex trafficking charge filed against 36-year-old Martin Gerding following the woman’s death.

Walsh says he was told by Maine State police Monday that the body of the 38-year-old woman was found in Oxford County.

The Office of the Chief Medical examiner is working to determine the woman’s cause of death.

Walsh says Gerding will still face felony charges of violating bail. He says the charges stem from Gerding’s alleged contact with the victim before the trial.

Walsh says prosecutors will review the evidence in the case before filing additional charges.

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