Friday, March 7, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
Victor Edward Willis, 45, who sang with the disco pop group from 1977 to 1979, was arrested Feb. 15 at the Flamingo Hilton. Police said they found about 45 grams of rock cocaine in his room.
Sonja Howard told police she went to the room with Willis and that he became angry when she tried to leave and threw her to the floor.
She also accused him of taking money and jewelry from her.
But a prosecutor on Thursday asked a judge to drop the charges because authorities have been unable to locate Howard.
Without her, Deputy District Attorney Elliott Sattler said the case could not proceed.
Justice of the Peace Fidel Salcedo dismissed the charges without prejudice, meaning they could be refiled if Howard ever surfaces.
Willis was with the Village People when it recorded such hits as "Macho Man," "Y.M.C.A" and "In the Navy."
He played the cop in the six-member group, designed to attract gay audiences with its parodies of male stereotypes.
Willis, of San Francisco, began singing as he walked down the sidewalk upon leaving court. He would not comment.
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