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Kidnapping case dropped
 Mark Rantanen (Staff file photo by Mike George)
Top Headlines DNA tests show former city man didn't abduct teen
ATTLEBORO - Mark Rantanen, a sometimes homeless man charged last year with dragging a 13-year-old boy into woods off Holden Street, always maintained police had the wrong man.On Monday, the case against him was dropped by prosecutors after DNA tests cleared him and because the boy was "not sure" whether Rantanen was his assailant, according to a motion prosecutors filed in Taunton Superior Court. His lawyer, Daniel Rich of Norton, said his client was happy the kidnapping and assault charges against him were dropped, but was saddened by the recent death of his girlfriend whom he lived with at Maple Terrace when he was arrested Oct. 9 last year. "He was happy the charges are being dropped. But it was bittersweet for him. His girlfriend just died recently," Rich said. Rich said hair samples taken from the boy's clothing excluded Rantanen, 47, and the boy was unable to identify his client as the kidnapper.  Mark Rantanen is escorted into Attleboro District Court by court officer Howie Werman last year. (Staff file photo by Mike George)
Rich said Rantanen had an alibi from the start and said that Rantanen, who walks slowly, was physically unable to drag anyone, let alone a teenage boy who was about the same height as him."I had my strong doubts from the beginning," Rich said. Rich did not fault police, whom he said were acting on information they were given. He said Joel Picchi, a private investigator he hired, verified Rantanen's account that he was on Hayward Street watching as a tow truck prepared to tow a car the morning the incident occurred. Rantanen is about 6 inches shorter than the description given to police and was wearing a large white eye patch from a recent injury, which the boy did not mention. He said Rantanen offered to give prosecutors a DNA sample before it was even requested and volunteered once they made the request. "He was never a violent guy," Rich said. Despite his ordeal, Rich said Rantanen holds no bitterness toward the boy. "He told me he feels bad for the kid. He doesn't blame the kid. He was scared," Rich said. While waiting for his case to proceed, Rantanen spent about five months in jail on bail. He was released with GPS monitoring after posting his bail at one point, but was jailed again after he failed a urine test for alcohol which he was prohibited from drinking as a condition of bail. Rantanen was free on bail Monday when prosecutors dropped the charges against him. He now lives in New Bedford and was unavailable for comment, Rich said. Several months after his arrest he told The Sun Chronicle, "It's not in my character to do something like that." Rantanen also expressed sympathy for the boy and his family because of the ordeal. Gregg Miliote, a spokesman for Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter, said the motion filed Monday "speaks for itself" about the reasons why prosecutors dropped the charges. "The DNA evidence excluded him. There were problems with the identification. Obviously, the police investigation remains open and should any additional evidence be discovered against Mr. Rantanen, or anyone else for that matter, then charges will be filed," Miliote said.
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Lucky1 wrote on Dec 15, 2009 2:32 PM:
Roman Catholic wrote on Dec 15, 2009 12:12 PM:
Instantkarma wrote on Nov 26, 2009 6:28 AM:
name. Good bye Graceful. Happy T day.
Play the sone ''Instant Karma' John Lennon... its a very meaningful song. "
Graceful wrote on Nov 25, 2009 8:05 AM:
More effort needs to be applied early on in the arrest process. The process of assuming guilt with little investigation upfront is applied too often throughout the US. An improved system needs to be put in place.To reduce errors & eliminate the innocent earlier in the Judicial process. Change some rules like if an Officer receives XX for an arrest. But due to sloppy work the person is not guilty that Officer looses XXX on his review. That would give Officers incentive to be careful,thorough and objective. "
sbcoach wrote on Nov 24, 2009 10:02 AM:
Graceful wrote on Nov 24, 2009 6:53 AM:
kittywoman4 wrote on Nov 23, 2009 6:19 PM:
Graceful wrote on Nov 22, 2009 4:27 PM:
Graceful wrote on Nov 21, 2009 7:03 PM:
Abusive Behavior is Expectable Behavior.. WRONG!! ''Abusive'' behavior is never acceptable nor expectable. I respect Free Speech. However, I prefer the peaceful,graceful & professional approach,which is far more productive than random critical remarks.I aplogize if I've offended anyone. PEACE "
s-plumb wrote on Nov 21, 2009 5:36 PM:
Stop acting innocently unaware of what you are doing.
You, pal, are a disgrace. Move on. "
Graceful wrote on Nov 21, 2009 5:08 PM:
Not sure what that means,and thats fine. May God Bless everyone out there that been dealt a bad hand, especially Mr. Rantanen. "
ricknkim wrote on Nov 20, 2009 8:40 PM:
Graceful wrote on Nov 20, 2009 1:50 PM:
When a professional makes a bad mistake
for most of us, that would make us feel horrible. Whats really important is that people and processes are improved because of it....that way All is Not Lost.... PEACE "
Graceful wrote on Nov 20, 2009 1:48 PM:
Not sure why u thought that.Ive 2 boys & 1 gitl. And we all have accepted whats happened. Please we are not bums on Welfare, 1 son graduated 'suffolk' and daughter currently Honor roll, no welfare or freebies. Just hardwording middle of the road folks. And I did file a complaint. The siblings fully support their 'disabled' brothers' fate. Too late to change whats happened. But not too late to maybe prevent future similar calamities. Please we can't erase whats happened but we can try to improve processes for all. And better outcomes for all. Im sure when a professional makes mistakes that can feel to good to them either. Whats important is that everyone learns from and improves because of such experiences.
Why do you think I would LIE ? "
s-plumb wrote on Nov 20, 2009 1:06 PM:
Graceful wrote on Nov 20, 2009 12:05 PM:
100% True & several witnesses. Didn't persue anything legally I believed that the truth would come out and the case dismissed. Maybe I really had put too much FAITH in mankind. Once I was hit by a drunk driver and my car totalled. All I got was car fixed and people criticized me for not sueing for more. I felt that was greed as the bumps and bruises healed fine. I have never ever commented in papers before this tragedy.
Although at time any PD can have some wiseguys, I never personally witnessed anything so horrible. I suppose Rantanen case is all a bunch of crap too. Im sure those arresting Officers questioned all the witnesses present on the spot. PLEASE "
sunshinesonfire wrote on Nov 20, 2009 11:52 AM:
Don't get me wrong, there are also plenty of offenders that assault police officers. BUT, ANY service oriented profession isn't easy.
If a patient enters the hospital and yells at a doctor because he does not like his diagnosis, the doctor still needs to treat him the same as a more orderly patient. If a cop arrests a man, and the man so much as asks why, the cop feels justified in behaving with hostility and pressing assault and battery charges. So not all, but some officers are out of line, sometimes. "
s-plumb wrote on Nov 20, 2009 9:19 AM:
s-plumb wrote on Nov 20, 2009 9:08 AM:
"Please, forget everything and stick to the article your commenting on. Mis Dexter $$$$$$$"
My response was that this is about Mr. Rantanen's circumstance. "
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 20, 2009 8:38 AM:
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 20, 2009 8:28 AM:
Graceful wrote on Nov 20, 2009 8:19 AM:
Yes its about
1. Mr. Rantanten (victim of circumstance).
2. the circumstances (the need for more sound investigative procedures).
Every failure is an opportunity for improvement. "
s-plumb wrote on Nov 20, 2009 4:23 AM:
Graceful wrote on Nov 19, 2009 6:41 PM:
I understand Police,in fact I have family in on the Boston Police Force. I know what they face. The Boston PD face 100 X than they do in the Attleboro's.
I see my factual observations have been misunderstood. Please, forget everything and stick to the article your commenting on. Mis Dexter $$$$$$$
PEACE "
Graceful wrote on Nov 19, 2009 6:33 PM:
I guess must be daydreaming. No mention of a son in prior posts... Is s-plumb your real name, or does it stand for sugar plum....sweeeeet "
Graceful wrote on Nov 19, 2009 6:32 PM:
I guess must be daydreaming. No mention of a son. Do you need glasses? I have some I can share, they come with a nose and mustache...Just think if no one ever tried to make things better such as the computer you would not be able make the comments your making right now. Its all about PROCESS IMPROVEMENT.... : ) "
s-plumb wrote on Nov 19, 2009 5:54 PM:
The only individual who needs help here is you grace, colt, donna, karma...john, bruce, bambi, trix rabbit.... "
Graceful wrote on Nov 19, 2009 5:48 PM:
s-plumb wrote on Nov 19, 2009 3:46 PM:
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:43 AM:
s-plumb wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:12 AM:
lonicutter wrote on Nov 19, 2009 8:05 AM:
ricknkim wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:51 PM:
I'd like to think that crimes solved in the manner in which you offer are the vast minority. I am sure it happens, and always will since there are dirtbags in all professions. But more often mistakes by police are from sloppy work and careless oversight and perhaps laziness to fully complete due- diligence. No excuse of course, especially when peoples reputation, well-being and lives are at stake. . In my opinion only, I think the cops are guilty of sloppy work and failure to pursue info that would have cleared this man much sooner, shame on them. I think our system is to blame in that the time to turnaround DNA samples is far too long. "
Graceful wrote on Nov 18, 2009 6:00 PM:
WELL SAID &
SAID WELL "
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 5:59 PM:
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 5:42 PM:
Graceful wrote on Nov 18, 2009 4:42 PM:
And maybe the boy will remember what the real perp looked like. "
ricknkim wrote on Nov 18, 2009 3:45 PM:
I strive to remain focused, but skipped my V-8 so perhaps I lost that edge . . . . I am not sure I follow you in how I lost focus but since you said please, I will try my best. "
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 2:22 PM:
I hope this guy locates a good trial lawyer, goes to trial, has a sympathetic jury,(not hard to find now-a-days with the plight of the homeless increasing by the hour)And ends up owning the City of Attleboro, except the ARA office. "
InstantKarma wrote on Nov 18, 2009 2:17 PM:
Your correct people do tend to put themselves in harms way. You live and learn...never argue with a lyeing,drunk on drugs.
Stay focused,please.....
The real point of this commentary is that ---- injustices can be reduced with the use of careful / thorough investigation of accusations.... before passing GO and heading to JAIL. "
InstantKarma wrote on Nov 18, 2009 2:16 PM:
Block an ID = Truth supression....... MMMM Freedom of Speech '' I wonder?
They have blocked ME numerouse times, and never did I attempt to hurt feeling or be rude.
Guess someone out there doesnt want the truth heard or seen. "
ricknkim wrote on Nov 18, 2009 1:58 PM:
Of course a newspaper, news outlet, etc. are out to sensationalize a headline, they are not a government subsidized operation, they are a for-profit outfit and they NEED to sell papers in order to sell advertisements. Therefore, sensationionalism is part of the game, no? I would like to think there is a balance and they should try to be respectful, but a guy walking down the street doesn't put a $1 into a newspaper box based upon lame headlines and a picture of a flower. They impulse buy that copy because it is sensational! "
GideonsTrumpet wrote on Nov 18, 2009 1:35 PM:
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 1:28 PM:
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 1:24 PM:
ricknkim wrote on Nov 18, 2009 11:58 AM:
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 11:44 AM:
ricknkim wrote on Nov 18, 2009 10:40 AM:
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 10:26 AM:
ricknkim wrote on Nov 18, 2009 10:20 AM:
mcgruff wrote on Nov 18, 2009 9:44 AM:
colts928 wrote on Nov 18, 2009 6:59 AM:
mcgruffsKid wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:30 PM:
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:01 PM:
GideonsTrumpet wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:59 PM:
steves wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:50 PM:
This guy did not match the description listed. Helicopters and K-9 dogs then a detail cop grabs this guy up?
Case solved. "
graceful wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:45 PM:
colts928 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:38 PM:
The crime fighting dog... cute. !!! Remember that filing false police reports is also a crime. And bearing false witness to a crime is also a crime. I am so sad that we live in such a unjust world with so many people with faulty belief systems.
Lets GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.
Forget all the jumping the gun crap, and prejudice crap and other negative behaviors. "
colts928 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:31 PM:
''attlegal''
Thanks for you rational,sensible and empathetic commentation to ''Mcgruff''. In fact my son was on probation for a Pot offense, I wont lie and he'd been staying in practically all the time to avoid trouble. Mcgruff is so wrong, this kid is no punk he was always home when not at work. In fact due to his brain trauma/car accident he is young for his age. So he lacks the cleverness to see what was coming. And lacks the cleverness to Lie like the drunk lied. The point in this column is that hopefully we all have learned, that we should not be so quick to judge. And we should investigate allegations thoroughly before assuming someone is guilty based on a faulty belief system. I wonder if Rantanen had a suit jacket and tie and carrying a Laptop, would he have been a suspect? I guess we'll never know. Just Curious i guess. "
sunshinesonfire wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:30 PM:
And if the boy filed a false police report, there are juvenile courts to handle matters like that - the police should press charges. Those boys need to understand the consequences "if" they were lying in the first place.
Or does it not matter, because this man is a less than ideal citizen? Maybe next time the boy (s) will press charges against an innocent coach and say they were touched indecently, then would it matter? "
colts928 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:05 PM:
Its the negative attitudes that people harbor that cause alot of the injustice in the world. Remember attitude leads to actions and attitude is based on beliefs. When the beliefs are faulty the resulting attitudes and behaviors can lead to horrible results. Remember HITLER he convinced many to kill others for no real good reason.... God Bless Rantanen. "
colts928 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:01 PM:
Your statements about my son are not accurate. My son was home and straight, watching movies with his family, when the drunk showed up !! uninvited and was kicked off the property. The Drunk drove away and came back with a tire-iron. And we made him leave again. When the Police arrived the whole thing got twisted because proper investigative procedure wasnt followed thats all my point was. I respect the Police,they are human & can make mistakes in judegment and handleing of situations. I hope that they learn from their mistakes. So ''mcgruff'' why dont you find out the facts before you insult strangers after all isnt name calling inappropriate, and something that punk might do. At the end of the day you'll feel alot better when your kinder through out the day. PEACE "
s-plumb wrote on Nov 17, 2009 7:28 PM:
From there the case goes to the DA.
So many are willing to hang the police. They did EXACTLY what they were tasked to do. "
GideonsTrumpet wrote on Nov 17, 2009 6:46 PM:
mmob wrote on Nov 17, 2009 5:44 PM:
you are ?? I don't think there are any words to describe you
you are heartless ,ignorant and cruel
I wonder if you are just lonely or do you enjoy getting the hair up on the necks of people
Stevie Wonder could see that this man was innocent
I"knew" this from the getgo its the kid they should look into
I guarantee that there is NO pervert running loose in the neighborhood
I think the kid was where he shouldn't have been and saw this might "save" him but then what do I know
I am sorry for the guy
The Police were doing what they had to as the Kid pointed his finger
every dog has his day McGruff what goes around ....... "
s-plumb wrote on Nov 17, 2009 5:24 PM:
If an arrest wasn't made based on the kid pointing him out, we'd all be crying negligence. The system worked. "
mcgruff wrote on Nov 17, 2009 4:39 PM:
sunshinesonfire wrote on Nov 17, 2009 4:26 PM:
He also thinks that anyone who stands on their front stoop on Emory Street should have been aborted - according to one of the abortion protest articles.
His opinions are just that - HIS OPINIONS. "
mcgruff wrote on Nov 17, 2009 4:26 PM:
attlegal wrote on Nov 17, 2009 4:19 PM:
" Look at him. I'm sure he deserves to be in jail for something. "
You're the kind of parent who punishes all the kids for what the favorite has done, right? Go home, Dad. "
mcgruff wrote on Nov 17, 2009 4:15 PM:
donnajean1 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 3:55 PM:
Yup some Officers will completely ignore the facts even when they're right under their noses. Once an Officer has decided your guilty all further evidence is ignored. In my sons case the Police were called because of a drunk with a tire-iron. The Police recovered the tire-iron. The drunk claimed he was hit with a bottle. No bottle could be found and the Officers chose not to hear from 4 sober witnesses. Hey the kid had a record so he must be guilty. I don't blame the detectives as they were never involved. The Police didnt need them. mmmmmm In fact I wish a detective had been involved, I think we have some of the finest detectives in the NAPD. Sadly too many cover ups and they cases are never handed over to any detectives. If they were they'd be alot less innocent people in Jail. "
donnajean1 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 3:47 PM:
Your absolutely correct, there way too much prejudice in the world, based on looks, dess and even past criminal record. Our Police need more training, many decide a persons guilty almost immediatly based on looks and past record. My son too had a past record for minor stuff. And that was proof enough that he must be guilty of something. And since the drunk who lied about being assaulted admitted the truth. Those charges were dropped but NAPD kept their charge of resist and A& B on and Officer so this innocent disabled kid still sits in jail. The Officers were never hit or harmed, but when they cracked up the cruiser driving wreckless, they had to blame someone, and lets say they did not take the blame. "
getreal wrote on Nov 17, 2009 3:04 PM:
sbcoach wrote on Nov 17, 2009 2:40 PM:
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 1:53 PM:
sunshinesonfire wrote on Nov 17, 2009 1:33 PM:
Mayor Dumas/City Council! People do not like that we do not know what really happened! Is there a kidnapper on the loose, or two kids with inventive imaginations? Get a grip on our police force, for crying out loud! "
sunshinesonfire wrote on Nov 17, 2009 1:29 PM:
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/10/10/news/3780868.txt
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/10/10/news/3783500.txt
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/10/09/news/3781811.txt
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/12/24/news/4139999.txt
http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/10/11/news/3784602.txt "
s-plumb wrote on Nov 17, 2009 1:26 PM:
GideonsTrumpet wrote on Nov 17, 2009 1:21 PM:
sally wrote on Nov 17, 2009 1:10 PM:
sunshinesonfire wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:54 PM:
steves wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:52 PM:
I don't expect any person or department to be mistake free,but you have to think that grabbing this guy was the easy way out while the real danger just slipped away. "
been there wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:49 PM:
Last year the 13 y/o ID'ed this guy. Today's article indicates that he did not.
We'll never know the real story in this case or the case of the "battered" teen.
It is troubling that this pressure to protect the rights of young people, is having a negative result on the cops charged with protecting our safety. "
PAT wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:34 PM:
sunshinesonfire wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:25 PM:
been there wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:13 PM:
GideonsTrumpet wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:12 PM:
sunshinesonfire wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:11 PM:
And also, I would like to correct myself, the police did not "overlook" the facts, it appears they completely "ignored" the facts, and let a true criminal walk while they had the wrong guy. "
sunshinesonfire wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:08 PM:
What REALLY astonishes and upsets me is that, even with all of those incistencies, THEY STOPPED LOOKING FOR THE ACTUAL PERPETRATOR! So now we have a kidnapper on the loose. THAT is the true issue.
This man will get money if he so seeks it, the fact is, he did have three meals a day, and had to be sober, which may have actually helped him.
The true problem is that whomever tried to drag the boy is still out there, and THAT was the APD's biggest mistake. "
RLincoln wrote on Nov 17, 2009 12:06 PM:
GideonsTrumpet wrote on Nov 17, 2009 11:31 AM:
donnajean1 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 11:29 AM:
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 11:27 AM:
blackbird wrote on Nov 17, 2009 11:17 AM:
It starts at the top and works its way down the ladder. When is something going to be done? It's a systemic problem. Let me guess, the police union completely backs the officers and they all received their Quinn bill benefits for completion of college degrees.
City officials wake up. How about an outside study or commission to investigate police mismanagement, operations and violations of civil liberties committed on the public on a daily basis!
Federal government, FBI, District Attorney, state police please help us! We want better police! "
donnajean1 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 11:00 AM:
From looking at Rantanen he is probably vunerable and not too articulate and clever minded, without outside help he probably won't see a dime of compensation. I suspect he has a past record and that too may be reason why he won't receive the help her deserves.
Too BAD wqe live in such a judgemental society. Rather than being judged by the specific situation at hand the person is judged by his past and this in turns leads to an unfair assessment of the current incident. Thats probably what happened to Rantanen. They probably pulled up his record, and since it wasn't clean felt no need to properly investigate the current incident. I've personally seen the NAPD handle incidents in the same manner. No Need to investigate, you have a record, mmm you must be guilty !!! yup. "
mmarcia wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:57 AM:
It all comes down to this - You can't un-ring a bell. "
jorod03 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:53 AM:
Lonicutter wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:52 AM:
1333 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:51 AM:
How about some of you giving the Attleboro Police the same slack as you want for everyone else. If you called for help they would be there for you before you hung up the phone. "
ricknkim wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:46 AM:
It is a shame that this homeless man with alcoholism problems was wrongfully arrested and held - he seems to have enough life issues than this to deal with. Let us all be thankful that although delayed, justice came out in the end and the innocent man is now free. "
mcgruff wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:46 AM:
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:41 AM:
GideonsTrumpet wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:38 AM:
ricknkim wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:37 AM:
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:36 AM:
steves wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:28 AM:
Attleboro's finest is on the job, keep that check book out! "
Liza5326 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:19 AM:
romanjor wrote on Nov 17, 2009 10:01 AM:
skeptic wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:58 AM:
This is the reason we have a justice system and don't lock people away for 10 years without a trial.
Had it gone to trial the jury would probably have found him innocent with out the DNA. "
ricknkim wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:25 AM:
ricknkim wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:19 AM:
I hope the man is compensated in some way for the time he spent behind bars - I can only assume someone with more money and a less colorful background would have been treated differently. "
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 9:15 AM:
Joel Picchi, a private investigator verified Rantanen's account that he was on Hayward Street watching as a tow truck prepared to tow a car the morning the incident occurred.
Perhaps APD should hire Mr. Picchi (the PI) for a thorough invetigation before someone else is sent to jail who may be inocent.Wonder how many more might be in jail illegally from poorly conducted or incomplete investigations. "
tallyho57 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:21 AM:
FourthStreet wrote on Nov 17, 2009 7:43 AM:
chupachupa wrote on Nov 17, 2009 7:41 AM:
5-months in jail and innocent = lawsuit.
he's got other issues, maybe the lawyer can see that any money he gets, goes to help him there... "
jrjrg123 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 7:03 AM:
realist wrote on Nov 17, 2009 7:02 AM:
donnajean1 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 6:49 AM:
reefpoint wrote on Nov 17, 2009 6:28 AM:
jlc79 wrote on Nov 17, 2009 5:38 AM: