The Region - News from May 14, 1986

No charges will be filed against Banning Mayor Rodney W. Cowles and two other people arrested last week on suspicion that they molested two of his children, the Riverside County district attorney’s office said. Further investigation, including polygraph test results, led to the conclusion that “the allegations made against Mr. Cowles and the others are not true,” the prosecutor’s office said. Assistant Dist. Atty. Jay Hanks said, “The public should draw no negative references against Mr. Cowles as a result of his arrest on charges.” Cowles’ attorney, Virginia Blumenthal of Riverside, said the allegations arose from child custody litigation. She noted that Cowles, 35, a Banning chiropractor who was recently divorced, announced his pending remarriage shortly before his arrest.