UTICA, N.Y. -- One of three misdemeanor charges filed against a Utica firefighter has been dismissed.
They stem from a sexual harassment claim.
Richard Forte is facing charges of fourth degree criminal mischief and third degree criminal tampering.
He previously pleaded not guilty.
The charge of making a punishable false written statement was dismissed in Utica City Court on Thursday.
Earlier this year, a female firefighter reported finding bodily fluid in an extra pair of her pants when she returned from a call.
Forte was ordered to provide a DNA sample for comparison.
Court papers say Forte claimed he never went into the victim's private dorm the night of the incident, and had no knowledge of what happened.
Forte is scheduled to be back in court next month.