Richland County (trfnews.i234.me) – A former North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) football player, Raymond Ruschel, is attempting to have rape charges dismissed ahead of his scheduled court appearance on July 21.
Ruschel, who gained national attention in 2022 for joining the college football team at age 49, was charged in late May with gross sexual imposition for allegedly having sexual contact with an unconscious woman—an accusation he denies.
Court filings served June 30 to State’s Attorney Megan Kummer include a motion to dismiss and six supporting exhibits.
The case hinges on forensic evidence. Deputy Latasha Keller’s probable cause summary cited the presence of semen consistent with vasectomized or prepubescent males, and Ruschel admitted to having had a vasectomy.
However, a State Crime Lab report stated semen presence couldn’t be confirmed via microscopy and could be consistent with several non-semen substances, including breast milk, urine, and cancer samples.
Ruschel’s legal team argues this ambiguity undermines the prosecution’s case.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
