Hartwell Charges Dropped

DAYTON - Columbia County Prosecutor Rea Culwell dropped charges earlier this month against Walter Hartwell. He has been released from the Columbia County Jail.

Hartwell, 38, was arrested in February and charged with two counts of first degree rape of a child. His trial had been delayed until next month.

"We no longer have cooperation of the alleged victim," Culwell told The Times. Culwell said she believes Hartwell is guilty, based on recorded statements the child gave to CPS, but that evidence is not admissible in court. "The victim's testimony under oath is needed for trial," Culwell said....