Kalimba Rape Case Dismissed For Lack of Evidence

By Alexandra Gratereaux

Published January 04, 2017

FILE - In thisJan. 21, 2011 file photo originally provided by the Quintana Roo State Attorney Generals Office, pop singer Kalimba, left, from Mexico, is seen by a police officer in Chetumal, Mexico, after being deported from El Paso, Texas. He was being sought in Mexico on charges of raping a teenage girl. A Mexican judge has ruled there is not enough evidence to try Kalimba on rape charges, and ordered him released. The charges alleged that a 17-year-old girl was raped on Dec. 19 at a Quintana Roo hotel. (AP Photo/Quintana Roo State Attorney Generals Office) (AP2010)

Kalimba was granted his freedom Thursday after a Mexican judge, citing a lack of evidence, dismissed rape charges against the singer.

Kalimba, whose full name is Kalimba Kadjaly Marichal Ibar, was charged with raping a 17-year-old girl on Dec. 19 at a Quintana Roo hotel.

But Judge Daniel Farah Godoy analyzed the evidence and testimony, according to the report published by the Mexican newspaper “El Universal,” and decided to throw out the case.

Quintana Roo’s attorney general, Francisco Alor doesn't intend to appeal the ruling.

Kalimba, who is a former member of the Mexican singing group OV7, denies the accusations.