DNA test frees inmate imprisoned nearly 18 years

COLUMBUS (AP) — A judge on Monday released a man who spent nearly 18 years in prison on a charge he raped a 10-year-old girl after a lab re-examining cases across Ohio showed that his DNA profile doesn’t match evidence from the crime scene.

Robert McClendon, 52, was the first inmate to be tested in the review.

He was transported Monday from the Chillicothe Correctional Institution to a courtroom where he met with lawyers from the Ohio Innocence Project, a nonprofit legal clinic based at the University of Cincinnati.

Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Charles Schneider, citing the DNA test, granted McClendon’s release from custody.

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien, who must decide whether to seek a new trial, said he hasn’t been able to discuss the new developments with the victim or her family. Continuing to prosecute the case seemed unlikely, he said.

McClendon planned to go to the home of a relative in Columbus on Monday to celebrate his release at a dinner with about 50 supporters, friends and relatives, said Mark Godsey, faculty director of the Innocence Project.

Longer term, McClendon said he wants to get a good job, maybe start a business and, if he’s needed, speak publicly on DNA testing.

McClendon, who denied raping the girl, was convicted in 1991 and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. He was denied parole in 2007.