Thursday, August 03, 2000
Two boys plead guilty in Mason sexual assault
Deal requires they testify against 3rd teen
By Sheila McLaughlin
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON — As their trials were set to begin Wednesday, two of three 14-year-old Mason boys pleaded guilty to scaled-back charges in the March 11 sexual assault of three female classmates.
An assistant prosecutor said that problems with the controversial case — including evidence that the 14-year-old girls were intoxicated at the time and an inability to get information from “a large number” of witnesses — led to the plea agreement.
Assistant Prosecutor Andy Sievers said the girls and their parents also wanted to avoid the disclosure of “certain embarrassing facts” that were bound to come out in a trial.
“After reviewing the case, discussing the case with victims and the police department, we thought these were more appropriate charges for these boys,” Mr. Sievers said following the closed hearing in Warren County Juvenile Court.
One of the teens pleaded guilty to attempted gross sexual imposition, a felony that could ultimately send him to a state juvenile detention center until he turns 21.
He was initially charged with rape, sexual battery, attempted sexual battery — all felonies — and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor.
The second boy pleaded guilty to misdemeanor sexual imposition and contributing, avoiding trial on felony charges that included complicity to rape, complicity to attempted rape and sexual battery.
He could receive anything from probation and counseling to incarceration in the county's Mary Haven Center for juveniles, Mr. Sievers said.
As part of the agreement, Mr. Sievers said, both boys would be required to testify against a third teen, who is scheduled to go on trial Aug. 9. That boy faces charges of sexual battery, gross sexual imposition and contributing.
Defense lawyers and parents of the defendants declined to comment until after the boys are sentenced in separate hearings before Magistrate Joseph Kirby on Aug. 16 and 18.
The boys were arrested shortly after the March incident, which occurred at the Mason home of one of the girls while her mother was shopping.
The boys were at the residence earlier and returned after the girl's mother left, authorities said.
Police began investigating after the incident was reported to an assistant principal at Mason Middle School, where the six teens were in the eighth grade.
The case sparked public outcry when Chief Juvenile Magistrate Erik Peters released the boys from custody and approved their return to Mason Middle School.
After objections from prosecutors, the boys agreed to be tutored at home.
They remain under house arrest.
Freeway link reopens with kinks
Decision on Lunken is delayed
Bengals get city to ban scalpers, vendors
Two plans on organs competing
Goetta-well wishes flow for damaged 4th Street pig
Pig Parade: Country Ham Pig
Archaeologists dig up abolitionist's artifacts
Computer yields no death clue
Lawyers say it was life or death
Penny pinching at schools described
Trucker linked to rape in Florence
Two boys plead guilty in Mason sexual assault
Casual becomes 'business appropriate'
Readers weigh in on casual dressing
GET TO IT
KIESEWETTER: WUBE 'temporary' show nominated
KNIPPENBERG: Poetry packs 'em in down at Cafe Cin-Cin
Butler Co. couple found dead
Court to hear appeal in baby's slaying
Covington forums to address school audit
Daughter called troubled
Engineer violated injunction, Butler says
Fund to help homeless
Lakota repeats request for levy
Local Digest
Mason growth just fine for barber
Minority firm accuses state of discrimination after firing
Monroe fire unit looks forward to new quarters
Old Timers Day returns to East Side
Statue honoring jockey damaged
Waynesville schools fight fiscal jam
