Rapist in first use of DNA to be freed

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ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 4 (UPI) -- A serial rapist who was the first person in the United States convicted on DNA evidence may soon be out of prison, officials said.

Tommie Lee Andrews is scheduled to be released on Dec. 30 or sooner by the Florida Department of Corrections after serving a fraction of his 62-year sentence, the Orlando Sentinel reported Saturday.

The 49-year-old Andrews has been imprisoned since 1988 after two juries convicted him of two violent rapes. The first assault was reported in 1987.

At the time, DNA evidence was still new to the judicial system.

He originally received a 100-year sentence, but it was recalculated to 62 years. He has earned 16 years "gain time" for good behavior.

The possibility of Andrews' release alarmed prosecutors and police. Randy Means, a spokesman for the state's attorney, said "we have seen no sign that his too-short and much-reduced incarceration provided rehabilitation."

The prosecutor's office will attempt to use a civil commitment law to send Andrews to a sexual rehabilitation center.