MIDDLETOWN — State prosecutors filed a charge of criminal attempt to commit murder Tuesday against a 34-year-old man suspected of raping and severely injuring a 15-year-old girl inMiddletown last month.
Robert Andrews is now exposed to more than 100 years in prison, state prosecutor Russell C. Zentner said Tuesday while arguing to increase Andrews’ bond from $250,000 to $500,000.
Zentner said DNA swabs taken from the victim matched Andrews’ DNA.
Attorney Robert B. Muchinsky, who represented Andrews during the bond proceeding, said the lab results weaken the state’s case because another man’s DNA was also found the girl.
Andrews admitted to having consensual sex with the girl and said she was in good condition when he left her on River Road in Middletown, Muchinsky said.
Zentner’s motion to increase Andrews’ bond was denied. The case was continued to Jan. 14 to give Andrews time to find a lawyer.
Andrews was arrested Nov. 18 and was charged with first-degree assault, first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree strangulation and risk of injury to a minor.
In addition to criminal attempt to commit murder, new charges of sexual assault, assault, unlawful restraint and risk of injury to minor have been added.