Police say they've cracked a cold case — more than two decades old — that some thought was a hoax.

In April 1994, a woman was walking through Prospect Park when she was dragged into the bushes and raped.

Late Daily News columnist Mike McAlary cited a source who said the woman invented the story because she wanted to bolster a speech she was giving about violence against lesbians.

She sued for libel, but the case was dismissed.

Police say detectives matched DNA to serial rapist James Edward Webb, who is serving 75 years to life in prison.

Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce says the victim wept with joy when she heard the news.

Webb denies raping her.