Steubenville, Ohio – after reviewing, analyzing and weighing the evidence presented by the Jefferson County police department and the state attorney’s office, Ohio court finds both teenage football players guilty of all three counts of rape, kidnapping and dissemination of nudity oriented material. Charged as juveniles with an adjudicated delinquent verdict, the teenagers will remain in juvenile jail until they reach the age of 21.
Both Steubenville high school football players sobbed uncontrollably after learning their fate. Judge Thomas Lipps appeared briefly in court this morning and after reading the court’s decision, explained to those who were not familiar with the juvenile justice system that “adjudicated delinquent is the same as a guilty verdict if they were treated as adults.”
Judge Lipps urged all parents and everyone, specifically those who had been following and witnessing this particular case to be extremely careful with the way they use and post messages on social media sources.
After several external complains concerning media posts by both football players and their friends, Jefferson county police department and the Ohio state attorney’s office lounged an investigation. The cybercrime investigation unit confiscated several cellular phones and other electronic sources from the football players, Steubenville high school students, and their friends to analyze social media video data, and text messages interchanged.
During the investigation, the Ohio state attorney’s office reviewed 396,270 text messages, 808,586 photos, 940 video clips, and transcripts of 3,188 phone calls – all social media sources presented incriminating evidence against the two teens.
In a press conference, Ohio state attorney Mike DeWine indicated that the case will remain under investigation to make sure that no other crime has been committed and to bring to justice anyone else who may be involved in this case.
The state attorney further advised that the case cannot be completed until the convening of a grand jury – in fairness to all, and to make sure that no stone is left unturned. The grand jury is set to appear in court on or about April 15.
During a press conference, attorney DeWine stated that Steubenville is a community that has good people; a community that has suffered a great deal, however rape is not a Steubenville problem; but rather, a nationwide problem that happens every Friday night and Saturday night all over the country, in big and small communities.
Rape is not recreational; is a crime of violence, is immoral and is not okay stated Mr. DeWine.
Meanwhile, the football players will remain in jail for at least one year, but the final verdict in this case will not be decided until the case is fully investigated and the grand jury makes the final determination.
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