Last Updated:May 15. 2008 11:10PM
Published: May 16. 2008 3:30AM

Rape charges against a former Florence High School athlete have been dropped after a Lauderdale County grand jury declined to issue an indictment,

The April session of the grand jury returned a no-bill on second-degree rape charges against Jarrel Hollingsworth, 18, of New Orleans Street, Florence. A no bill is issued when members of the grand jury do not believe there is sufficient evidence to warrant prosecuting a suspect in a crime

Hollingsworth was accused of raping a 14-year-old girl at Braly Municipal Stadium on Dec. 10, 2007, shortly before playing in a basketball game at Florence High. He was arrested later that night.

Hollingsworth said he is pleased the charges have been dropped. He said he heard about three weeks ago that they were likely to be dismissed.

"It was a big relief," Hollingsworth said. "After all this time, I'm just glad it's over."

Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly said his office will not attempt to have the charges reinstated.

"We presented the case to the grand jury, which heard evidence from the police investigation and heard the victim's testimony, and they no-billed it," Connolly said.

Florence police said the case is closed and they will not pursue new charges against Hollingsworth.

Hollingsworth was a starter on the Florence Falcons' basketball team and played linebacker and running back on the football team.

He was removed from the basketball team after his arrest and was suspended from school for 10 days.

He has since returned to school and will graduate May 30. He plans to attend Northwest-Shoals Community College in the fall where he will play basketball.

Hollingsworth said he was angry after learning the charges were likely to be dismissed but his anger has waned.

He said he appreciates his friends who supported him during his ordeal.

"My friends stuck with me and believed me," he said.

Dennis Sherer can be reached at 740-5746 or dennis.sherer@timesdaily.com.