DNA leads to rape charge

Radcliff Police are crediting DNA test results for the arrest of a Fort Knox man on a charge of first-degree rape. Joseph E. Snyder, 20, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Friday in Hardin District Court.

SNYDER

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Snyder, a soldier in the 5/15th Cavalry, according to RPD, was picked up on an arrest warrant Tuesday and lodged in the Hardin County Detention Center. Bond was set at $50,000.

Radcliff Police Department spokesman Bryce Shumate said the alleged victim is a female older than 18. She reported that Snyder forced her to have sexual intercourse against her will. The woman first reported the rape to Radcliff police on Nov. 17, 2009, Shumate said, but detectives waited on forensic lab results from Kentucky State Police to confirm the DNA profile results matched.

Shumate said the arrest was made “purely on DNA sampling” coupled with the victim’s complaint.

Shumate said he did not believe the woman was a stranger to Snyder before the alleged rape occurred.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled Wednesday in Hardin District Court.

Gayle Deaton can be reached at (270) 505-1740 or at gdeaton@thenewsenterprise.com.