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Convicted rapist Frye pleads not guilty to latest charge

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Joseph Lee Frye, a 49-year-old convicted rapist, is being held without bail.

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 15, 2009

Updated: 09/15/2009 09:29 am

TAMPA - The man accused of raping an elderly woman in her Seminole Heights home pleaded not guilty today.

Joseph Lee Frye, a 49-year-old convicted rapist, is being held without bail. On Aug. 28, police say, he overpowered a woman in her 70s, raped her in her bedroom and fled with her gun, cash and jewelry.

Frye faces charges including armed sexual battery, burglary, robbery, battery of a person older than 65 and grand theft.

At the court hearing, prosecutors filed a motion to compel an HIV test of Frye, and his attorney agreed to the test.

Prosecutors also told Frye that he will be considered a habitual felony offender, habitual violent felony offender, dangerous felony sex offender and violent career criminal, meaning he would face a mandatory life sentence if convicted as charged.

Another hearing is set for Nov. 9.

An extensive manhunt for Frye ended Sept. 3 after a tip led police to the Mayflower Motel on Florida Avenue, where he had been staying for nearly a week.

Frye had been released from state prison Aug. 1 after serving time related to a 1985 rape.

Police also say Frye broke into another Seminole Heights home Aug. 21 and stole jewelry.

Frye sold the stolen property to several people and had one person pawn multiple pieces of jewelry, police said. About $10,000 worth of the jewelry was recovered Sept. 4.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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