DNA ties 2004 rape to Arlington man who told victim, 'Don't let this affect your life'

An Arlington man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for kidnapping and raping a 19-year-old woman at gunpoint a decade ago.

The case went cold for years until DNA evidence tied 56-year-old Charles Green to the crime, according to the Tarrant County district attorney's office.

"This defendant walked the same streets as his victim for 10 years," prosecutor Kim D'Avignon said. "Now, thanks to DNA, the hard work of the Pantego Police Department, and this Judge's sentence, he will never walk the streets again."

Green was convicted by a jury in April and sentenced Friday evening by Judge Charles Bleil. He must serve 25 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.

The crime occurred in 2004 when Green grabbed the woman as she left an auto parts store in Pantego. He then forced her into her car, shoved a gun to her side and got behind the wheel.

The woman offered Green her car and purse, but he said he "just wanted a ride." Instead he drove her around and asked her personal information before covering her eyes with a wool cap. He then pulled over and raped her at gunpoint.

Green released the woman in East Fort Worth, telling her, "Don't let this affect your life," and she drove herself to an Arlington hospital.

Eight years after the rape, Pantego police identified Green as the assailant based on DNA evidence collected from the victim the day she was raped. She then picked Green out of a photo lineup.

At trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Green committed other sex offenses, including the molestation of a child under the age of 13, which he confessed to.

Green testified in his own defense and denied committing other offenses. He blamed the 2004 rape on his heavy drug use at the time.

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DNA ties 2004 rape to Arlington man who told victim, 'Don't let this affect your life'