Charges withdrawn against New Kensington man accused of rape

Criminal charges have been withdrawn against a New Kensington man who police accused of raping a woman earlier this year.

The Allegheny County District Attorney’s office withdrew seven charges, including rape, that were filed against James Michael Tessauro, 38, in connection with an incident in January.

The charges were withdrawn Aug. 8 before Common Pleas Judge Anthony M. Mariani, according to court records. Tessauro’s attorney, Patrick Thomassey, couldn’t be reached for comment.

Mike Manko, spokesman for District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr., said the decision was based on evidence the office discovered when prepping the case for trial.

“In preparing this case for trial, additional evidentiary material came to light that would have made it unlikely that we could sustain our burden of proof by moving forward,” Manko said. “As such, we withdrew the case.”

Manko wouldn’t elaborate on what that material might be.

The alleged victim reported the assault to Springdale Township police in February and was interviewed by Allegheny County Police detectives the same month. She told detectives that she didn’t call the police sooner because she was afraid of Tessauro and others finding out about the allegations, the complaint said.

The Tribune-Review doesn’t identify alleged victims in sexual assault cases.