Crime & Safety

1 Rape Charge Dropped Against Dunedin Man, Former Cop

Prosecutors have decided not to pursue a rape allegation that dates back to 2002 against former Tarpon Springs Police Officer Larry Kobielnik, who lives in Dunedin. He's still jailed on two more recent charges.

(This story is written by Sherri Lonon)

Former Tarpon Springs Police Officer Larry Kobielnik won’t get a day in court on a rape allegation that dates back to 2002.

He, however, still stands accused of two more recent attacks and remains behind bars in Pinellas County on $1 million bond as a result.

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The Tampa Bay Times broke the story about prosecutors declining to pursue the 2002 allegation.

Kobielnik, 38, of Dunedin, was arrested earlier this year after a woman said he picked her up in Clearwater, posing as a cop offering her a ride. The woman told authorities Kobielnik refused to let her go, told her she was under arrest and then drove her to a home in Dunedin where he is accused of raping her.

Find out what's happening in Dunedinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

A second woman came forward with similar allegations a few days later.

Check out the Times’ full story on the 2002 allegation here.

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