FTDI (FT232R) chip holding the RX line high
It is with extreme embarrassment that I have come to inform you all that this problem was actually caused by an incorrect firmware being loaded onto the microprocessor that was communicating with the FTDI chip. I do not consider this a complete waste as I have learned some new troubleshooting steps from you all that I did not know before. 
I thank you all for your time and effort.