An Emporia rape suspect has advanced in his court proceedings to pretrial and arraignment.
Erik Alvarez had his preliminary hearing Tuesday and will return to court Sept. 20. Arraignment is typically when potential trial dates are finalized.
Alvarez faces one count of rape after alleged illegal sexual activity with a child under the age of 18 in January 2021. Court records indicate the alleged victim was no more than 14 years old at the reported incident.
