When you are accused of rap, it sticks with you. No matter how hard you may try, once you are charged, you have a long legal hill to climb. Sexual assault allegations often come down to two truths. The victim’s tale and the alleged rapist’s side of the story. This is a very complicated area of the law and for all involved. Two parties disputing over emotional issues, when the evidence isn’t always clear cut. You might be thinking that this is only an adult situation. A recent case in the Orlando area shows it isn’t. A 17-year-old high school football player was re-arrested, as his gang rape case moves from juvenile to adult court. A 16-year-old girl told authorities that he was one of five teammates who raped her in the woods just off of school property.
The 17 year-old was originally charged as a juvenile, but he rejected a plea deal, and prosecutors transferred his case to adult court. Prosecutors filed the same charge against all five football players for this alleged gang rape.
Their lawyers will have plenty of opportunities to prove the five young men didn’t rape or sexually assault the girl. I’m sure they are already investigating the allegations. They will certainly interview the relatives, family friends and neighbors, of the alleged victim. It is quite possible the girl engaged in these sexual activities with these five men, of her own accord. Did she feel badly afterwards? Did she have an axe to grind with the players? Does she have a history of false allegations?
This is a rape case to keep an eye on over time.
