Prosecutors dismiss raps vs. Italian

After the complainant issued an affidavit of desistance, the city prosecutor's office dismissed a complaint for alleged acts of lasciviousness filed by a minor against her employer.

Documents furnished to The Freeman showed Cebu City Prosecutor Nicolas Sellon approved the recommendation of prosecutor Ma. Theresa Agan to dismiss the case against Italian national Renato Benedetti, operator of Café le Grand Soleil.

"Finding the execution of the Affidavit of Desistance voluntary, without force, undue influence or intimidation, undersigned hereby moves for the dismissal of the complaint against Renato Benedetti as it is recommended dismissed," the recommendation read.

The girl filed the acts of lasciviousness complaint against Benedetti in March 2006. The next month, however, she executed an affidavit of retraction/desistance, saying that Benedetti is innocent of the crimes charged in the complaint.

The girl earlier alleged that it was during her one-month employment with Benedetti on May 2005 when the incident happened. However, in her retraction, she said she was just misled in filing the charges against Benedetti. - Joeberth M. Ocao