Judge: Not enough evidence to hold Scottsdale man Ryan Festa on sexual assault charges

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - A judge ruled there’s not enough evidence to keep a Scottsdale man in custody on sexual assault charges for raping two women.

Scottsdale police said Ryan Festa turned himself into police Thursday after seeing a sketch on the news.

“Mr. Festa decided to present himself to Scottsdale police in case they had any questions and so they could see him physically, but he has always denied any involvement in these crimes and maintains his innocence,” said Festa’s attorney, Bernardo Garcia.

“Mr. Festa just thought it was appropriate to allow the Scottsdale Police Department to see him and determine whether or not they had any further questions for him,” added Garcia.

While being questioned Thursday night, police said they arrested Festa based on physical evidence and witness testimony.

However, a judge asked for lab results in connection with the sexual assaults, but prosecutors could not provide them.   

Scottsdale police Sgt. Mark Clark said that lab results will take two weeks to come back.  

As a result, the judge ruled there was no enough probable cause to hold Festa on the sexual assault charges at this time.

Court records show Festa has been arrested in the past on drug and assault charges.

Festa, however, remains in jail after police reportedly found drugs during a search warrant of his apartment. A judge will decide Saturday during his initial appearance whether he will be released.

Scottsdale police said they will be watching closely and will send out an alert should Festa be released.  

They are confident the lab results will further support their case and the rape charges will eventually follow.

Records also show Festa suffered a brain injury after a car accident several years ago and has undergone court ordered mental evaluations in past court cases.