BREAKING: 2 Steubenville Football Players Found Guilty of Rape

[Hissyspit]

Source: Reuters

@AP: BREAKING: 2 Ohio football players found guilty of rape in case that roiled town, stirred reaction online.

@CBSNews: BREAKING NEWS: Judge announces guilty verdict in Steubenville, Ohio, school rape case

Judge in Ohio high school rape case finds defendants guilty

Sun Mar 17, 2013 10:26am EDT

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio (Reuters) - Two high school football players from eastern Ohio were found guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl at a party last summer.

Judge Tom Lipps, who heard the non-jury juvenile court case against Trent Mays, 17, and Ma'lik Richmond, 16, found the two members of the Steubenville "Big Red" high school football team sexually assaulted the girl in the early morning of August 12, 2012 when witnesses said she was too drunk to move or speak.

Lipps found both defendants delinquent under Ohio law and began taking arguments on a sentence. Mays and Richmond denied the charge and said any sex that occurred was consensual.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE92E0ZS20130317

---

http://fox8.com/2013/03/17/guilty-verdict-reached-in-steubenville-rape-trial

Guilty Verdict Reached in Steubenville Rape Trial

Posted on: 10:14 am, March 17, 2013, by Jessica Dabrowski

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — Judge Thomas Lipps has reached a decision in the trial of two Steubenville high school football players accused of raping an allegedly drunk 16-year-old.

On Sunday, he handed down a guilty verdict on all three counts.

Trent Mays, 17, and Ma’lik Richmond, 16, are accused of raping the girl during a series of back-to-school parties last August.

Mays is also charged with disseminating a nude photo of a minor.

[elehhhhna]

1. and mays is crying like a baby

live link - sentnecing now http://www.10tv.com/content/sections/video/breaking.html

[barbtries]

19. omigawd

so emotional. i sincerely hope that the victim in this case can gain some healing from this outcome. it's easy enough to say - and certainly it was my first thought - that these boys have probably never been acquainted with even a concept of consequences before now, and they're getting their righteous comeuppance. i agree that they deserve to be punished. but the pain is real.

maybe now this won't happen again. consciousness will be raised, people will think twice before they callously abuse exploit and victimize another victim. i really really hope so. the father of one of the boys is saying just that right now.

he's also talking about alcohol. in my life alcohol has been a truly deadly substance. my mother's life was cut short by it, my father's probably as well. my daughter was killed by a drunk. alcohol played a huge part in this episode and i'm glad that the father brought that up.

thanks for the link

[1monster]

110. Barbtries, I want to give you a hug. You have shown more understanding here

than I've seen in any of the threads on this subject. The pain that you have been through helped you to grow where it would make some very bitter.

It is right and just that these boys be made to face the consequenses of their actions. But they have been given a chance at redemption. It is in their own hands. And that is just. They are young enough to reform their attitudes, beliefs, actions, treatment of others, and their lives.

There are far too many in this country who, due to developmental disorders, had no real understanding of right and wrong/legal, and illegal who are serving far harsher sentences for far lesser infractions with no chance at redemption in the future.

These boys are lucky. They were charged, as they should have been, as the juveniles that they are, and not as adults, facing adult consequenses, as too mnay juveniles are charged in today's world.

(PS: I think Barb tries really hard and succeeds very well.)

[barbtries]

151. thank you 1monster.

hugs to you too

[lbrtbell]

172. Meanwhile, there's no "juvenile" rape trauma

Teen boys are old enough to know what they're doing. Just as their teen friends were old enough to know, when they were tweeting rape jokes during the crime.

Please spare a little compassion for the young girl who feels shamed and traumatized, knowing she was raped in front of multiple witnesses.

The boys deserve no compassion at all. None.

[1monster]

189. Who says I have no compassion for her? My post was not about the young lady

who was so violated and disrepected. More than enough people posted on that subject to cover it thoroughly.

I commented on another aspect this situation which did not offer the boys much compassion at all. I pointed out that they are facing consequenses is just, and it is. I also pointed out that they are young enough to make changes in their lives and that the judge's ruling left their futures in their hands. Which is also just.

Personally, I don't think the investigation went far enough. Someone or someones supplied those kids with alcohol. That should have been looked into and charges filed, if warranted.

As for develoopmentally disabled people being sentenced for crimes that they were not able to understand more harshly than those who knowingly broke the law, it happens all the time and no one has compassion or advocates for them. And it is people who chose not to look at all sides of the issues.

[AllyCat]

120. hugs to you and sorry for all of your losses

Thank you for your compassionate post about this emotional and devastating issue.

[barbtries]

152. thanks allycat

[tblue]

173. That's exactly my take on it.

It's important, it's right, and it had to happen, justice being served. I'm glad. But I'm not celebrating.

[UnrepentantLiberal]

28. Awwwww

Poor baby. Now he'll be around a lot of guys who don't care about other people. I hope he learns something from this.

[ann---]

36. Maybe he'll get

the same treatment he dished out to that poor girl. The smirk on the other guy's face is disgusting.

[ohiosmith]

56. This post was alerted on. The jury voted 4/2 to let it stand.

AUTOMATED MESSAGE: Results of your Jury Service

At Sun Mar 17, 2013, 05:15 AM an alert was sent on the following post:

Maybe he'll get
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=427645

REASON FOR ALERT:

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate. (See <a href="http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=aboutus#communitystandards" target="_blank">Community Standards</a>.)

ALERTER'S COMMENTS:

Suggests prison rape. Rape is wrong to whomever.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Sun Mar 17, 2013, 05:21 AM, and the Jury voted 2-4 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: These scumbags deserve whatever happens to them. Leave the post.
Juror #2 voted to HIDE IT and said: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: The poster wasn't calling for, or voicing approval of, prison rape. Some people have a hair trigger on their outrage.
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT and said: Vigilante justice is bullshit. It sounds good, but this ain't a movie. Those boys need some rehab, etc.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: No explanation given
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: No explanation given

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[Cal Carpenter]

59. Thanks for posting the results

I alerted too, but wasn't the first to do so.

I hope the poster considers editing, whether they meant it or not it sounds like advocacy of prison rape, an eye-for-an-eye type thing, it is not okay imo.

[AtheistCrusader]

84. Dissapointing.

Reflects the prevailing opinion in the US, sadly.

[Ash_F]

184. DU is really going downhill these days.

Those comments are pretty much reddit. Or youtube.

[Heidi]

62. Are you advocating prison rape?

[NealK]

97. I'm afraid so.

"Maybe he'll get the same treatment he dished out to that poor girl."

Yep, advocating prison rape. Disgusting.

[alcibiades_mystery]

109. ann--- promotes rape on this board, and a jury congratulates her for doing so...unbelievable

Disgusting. There are some things that shouldn't be left to a frothing mob. The promotion of rape as punishment is probably on that list. I wish the Administrators would come down on this sort of disgusting practice in a clear and unequivocal way. You can't claim to hate rape when you have rape promoters running around the board promoting rape as punishment and being applauded for it.

[Cronus Protagonist]

158. You brought up the Achilles heel of the new DU

"Any poll of random Internet users will result in the lowest common denominator of intelligence, justice, taste and sensibility being upheld." - Apocryphal

We see it everywhere, and now DU is actually governed by this phenomenon.

[rightsideout]

179. Yep it's disgusting

But to be honest I thought the same thing Ann did.

It's disgusting but so is what happened to that girl and the resulting cover up. It's a result of the anger many people are feeling towards incidents like this especially when this incident was going to be swept under the rug by the town's local officials from the Sheriff to the local prosecutor.

It's also anger directed towards the rapist who seems to care more about people not wanting to do with him anymore then what he actually did to that girl.

People shouldn't deny or bottle up how they feel about Rapists like this. Especially when concern seems to be directed towards the rapist then the victim.

[LovingA2andMI]

185. YIKES!

IDK what to think about this but the jury should have shot this post down to the ground. The juveniles in this case are criminals, convicted in the Ohio Judaical System. The one Criminal did show remorse for his crime. The other Criminal gave a half-heart apology to the victim and her family.

Regardless, these are STILL CHILDREN who committed a vile crime and will serve time for it. It's DONE and wishing for harm to either of these criminals in prison for the crime they are convicted now of, says frankly plenty about you.

Praying for the victim and hope she fully recovers as best as possible, from the criminal actions committed upon her.

[RobinA]

201. I Disagree

I wasn't on that jury, but I would have voted to let it stand. I want this attitude out in the open for all to see. Having it out in the open gets it talked about, which it is being here. The more it is talked about the more people (not everyone) will realize , or at least be exposed to, the arguments against this horrible mindset.

[alcibiades_mystery]

203. I don't let people use the words n*gger and c*nt in my house just to show my kids how bad they are

Some actions are disciplined precisely by being shunned, by being prohibited utterly and cast in the trash can as soon as they are performed. You use the word n*gger in my house, you're out the fucking door in under ten seconds, and if some purists want to consider that "censorship," so be it. We have standards of politeness here, but they're only standards if they're enforced.

I show my kids how bad those words are they are by shitcanning the user immediately and with no exceptions. Not by arguing the merits of "n*gger" or "c*nt" as words.

Casual promotion of rape is one of those actions for me - precisely because it is undertaken so casually. When so many people on even a progressive board laugh about and actively wish for RAPE as a punishment, we're in "N*gger" at the dinner table territory, circa 1975. And it gets squashed only if good people stand up and say NO, enough, out, unacceptable. We don't need more "examples. We need more enforcement of basic decency.

ann--- casually promoted rape as punishment. We don't need an "argument" about that. We need unequivocal statements and actions from Administrators that say such horrendous actions are beyond the pale, and those performing those actions are out the door.

[Katashi_itto]

95. Don't edit.

[NealK]

99. So you're approving Prison rape too?

[Katashi_itto]

100. Hmmm..did I say that?

[NealK]

126. I'm sorry.

Someone up-tread said "I hope the poster considers editing" so I misinterpreted your post.

[Katashi_itto]

127. No problem, its been a rather intense week thru DU.

[awoke_in_2003]

113. I agree with "don't edit"...

it is good that we know how people think so we can judge them accordingly. Now we know how this one feels.

[Iggo]

98. Un-fucking-believeable.

How many?

[Heidi]

103. ann---, please explain your post, so that the rest of us understand it more clearly.

I am of the opinion that we need less -- not more -- rape in this world. I'd like to believe that 100 percent of DUers agree.

So what do you mean by "Maybe he'll get the same treatment he dished out..."?

[alcibiades_mystery]

106. A despicable rape promoting post that tells us a lot about the poster, ann---

Remain saddened that rape promotion posts like ann---'s aren't immediately shitcanned on this forum.

Horrific in its intent and desire. Putrid.

[Heidi]

108. I alerted, but a jury had already voted to let it stand.

I will now alert on the jury results to let the Admins decide.

Here's the message I received after my alert:

AUTOMATED MESSAGE: Your alert was received

Mail Message
At Sun Mar 17, 2013, 05:15 AM you sent an alert on the following post:

Maybe he'll get
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=427645

REASON FOR ALERT:

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate. (See <a href="http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=aboutus#communitystandards" target="_blank">Community Standards</a>.)

YOUR COMMENTS:

Advocating prison rape (i.e. \"the same treatment he gave that poor girl) is not progressive. What we need in the world is less rape, not more rape, and DU should not be a platform for advocating ANY kind of rape.

JURY RESULTS

A randomly-selected Jury of DU members completed their review of this alert at Sun Mar 17, 2013, 05:21 AM, and voted 2-4 to LEAVE IT ALONE.

Thank you.

[Heidi]

119. I'll just leave this screenshot of your vile post here in the event that the Admins delete it

but don't ban you. If you're banned, I'll delete it. You're welcome.

[Cronus Protagonist]

159. Calm down Heidi - it was just a nugget of "common wisdom"

It's DU's community standards, you know, not yours or mine. And the DU community applauds this post, as evidenced by the jury decision.

[Heidi]

191. Calmer than you are, dude.

Sorry. I can't resist:

[MrMickeysMom]

190. Come now...

Consider what you said. We'll forgive you...

[PassingFair]

37. I would like to capture their tears.

And season their food with them for the next year or two.

I hope this case teaches a lesson in respect for other people's bodies.

Frat Boys, take note!

[rdharma]

47. Hat tip for the link to the live feed!

[PearliePoo2]

49. His puffy red face, tears and a snot nose, shoulders heaving in sobs....

I really believe this punk, rapist asshole is crying because he feels sorry for HIMSELF.
He (was) the infallible football jock. Now he's never going to play any real football again. (which is all he ever had going for him)
In towns like this, if you're not the football hero, you're nothing. Sickening.
It's really, really over for you, loser.

[fitman]

70. I really think Malik Richmond

feels bad for what he did and regrets it and is truly sorry for what he did. You can tell by watching the video of him breaking down and walking over to the parents of the girl and telling them how sorry he was...there was no way he was faking it

Trent Mays on the other hand show zero lack of guilt...wanted to smack him.

Don't get me wrong I don't feel sorry for these guys and I think one year is way too light of a sentance.

[PearliePoo2]

81. I agree!

I just watched them speak to the court. Mays is just sorry he got caught. That's all.
The pictures that were circulated is what sealed the deal, in his mind, not his behavior.
I also agree Ma'lik's actions were genuine and he feels remorse. There's hope for him.
Trent Mays...nope...none.

[October]

168. I disagree. They feel remorse for the victim

These two were FRIENDS of the victim - and that is how they treated their friend. They subsequently bragged and lied. One even text messaged the victim's father claiming nothing happened. The other went on news programs claiming he didn't even witness it, and said if he had, he would have stopped it.

(Edit to add: utter bullshit! Anonymous' hacking revealed that he did indeed witness and participate!)

Do not be fooled by their crocodile tears.


http://abcnews.go.com/m/story?id=18737131&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fmobile%2Fs%3Frewrite%3D72%26.tsrc%3Dapple%26first%3D1%26p%3Dsteubenville%2Brape%2Bcase%26pintl%3Den%26pcarrier%3DAT%2526T%26pmcc%3D310%26pmnc%3D410

[LovingA2andMI]

186. With thoughts like these....

Why do we have a prison system for juveniles or others who commit crimes. Throw rehabilitation justice out the window and just star practicing what occurs in Third-World counties without a trial before either a judge or jury.

Richmond did show true remorse and I hope he gets the assistance needed in prison to ensure he will NEVER commits this type of crime again, once he's release from custody.

[October]

198. Woah

How condescending of you.

Without a trial, judge or jury? Excuse me? They had a trial and a judge. They were deemed innocent.

My point was -- there were no tears until his conviction. The young man went on TV and portrayed himself as innocent and even a person of heroic nature who would've stopped such a rape.

I hope they get assistance and the help they need too. But one cannot get help if they're not willing to be honest and admit they need it. Thus far, I have not witnessed such contrition. Maybe YOU have, and maybe we just differ in opinion,

Irony here in how you judged me, btw.

[fitman]

83. I want to see Nodianos crying like a baby

Put in on pay per view with the proceeds going to the US treasury and the countries deficit will be erased i a few hours.

I would love to smack the grin off that idiots face....sorry but it's true.

[Stargazer09]

101. No kidding

If anyone talked about my daughter like that, I don't think I could contain my anger. Disgusting creep.

[PatrynXX]

90. Kinda figured with the town and the police against her I knew who'd win

no winners. but I am surprised to see justice done ...

[Crowman1979]

176. He's only crying because he got caught.

[CoffeeCat]

182. That's exactly right. Perps are weak cowards inside...

These boys were all so full of bravado--raping her and carrying her around like an animal from room to room. They
tweeted her pictures and mades so many horrific comments about her that were shown in a video. They were bragging
about raping her and how she was raped. They even urinated on her and were laughing hysterically about it.

Now, they cry. They only cry *for themselves* because there are now consequences. They are not crying
for the victim. Please remember that.

[October]

199. I agree.

Yet above, another tried to shame me for saying as much - as though I believe in a Third World non-trial system.



They were all over the media before the conviction lying, etc. THEN, the photos, video, and evidence were revealed.

The whole story is horrifying! But I'm sick of the over-sympathy for these young men and the blame-game for the young woman.

Outraged by it, in fact.

[davidpdx]

2. Links live coverage

http://www.10tv.com/content/sections/video/breaking.html

Edit 2: CBS covering the trial live now: http://www.cbsnews.com/2718-201_162-1950/cbs-news-live-video/?tag=custom

Edit 3: ABC http://abcnews.go.com/live

[YarnAddict]

3. YES!!

Just too bad they can't be sentenced as adult rapists.

[thatgemguy]

53. They're old enough, should have been tries as adults.

[SemperEadem]

104. I totally agree

[Zoeisright]

142. ABSOLUTELY.

Those little criminals need to be in prison for a long, long, LONG time. Hopefully this verdict will ruin their lives.

[sybylla]

165. You're assuming rapists get long sentences in this country.

That doesn't happen. But it would have been longer and more lasting than they have gotten in Juvie. Once they hit 21, all will be erased from their records and forgotten.

[LovingA2andMI]

187. Not necessarly....

The State has to approve for their juvenile records be expunged and with the attention surrounding this case, that's unlikely to happen for a long, long time.

As for the Criminals being convicted as juveniles, it was appropriate. Amazing some will say "try them as adults" or worse "fry them" but the moment they hear a Criminal convicted when they were 15 years of age in Texas 15 years ago now facing the death penalty in 24-48 hours, will ask "why are we killing him/her?"

Let's be consistent here, okay?

[historylovr]

195. Agreed.

They should have been tried as adults. Glad they were found guilty but this is too light.

[llmart]

4. Good!

The perps are sobbing like babies now and the smug looks have been wiped off their faces. Let this be the start of a lesson to other "boys".

[Solly Mack]

5. K&R

[YarnAddict]

6. The best punishment here

is that this probably (hopefully) puts an end to their football careers.

[chillfactor]

20. being they will serve time until they are 21

I suspect it is the end of their football careers....

[Why Syzygy]

169. One year

Their sentence is one year.

[richmwill]

131. Good, I sincerely hope it is.

The sad thing is, I suspect that's the only reason these rapists were crying today. "My career, everything I've worked for is over, wahhh". Disgusting creeps.

[RedstDem]

7. that's a good start

wasn't there a lot more than two rapist?

[seabeyond]

10. ya. it just does not seem enough. or the end of the story. or justice served. nt

[TinkerTot55]

43. There certainly were........

....a lot of male adults who knew about the incident and attempted to cover it up, and to divert the investigation. And at one point, wasn't the FBI or another State or Federal agency involved in the investigation? Certainly there should be more charges filed in this case.

[fitman]

72. There was also another rape

of a girl in April 2012..reputed that some of the same guys were involved..

The only way that came out was people who emailed the girls mother and said what happened..

Wait ..this trial will be announced soon.

[PearliePoo2]

132. You mean we've got some serial rapists here?

This isn't the first rape for these two boys in particular? Or was it others in the "rape crew" that haven't been brought to court yet?
I really hope there is another trial and the goons responsible are now shitting in their football knickers with fear.

[fitman]

135. Student athletes involved same school

different sport...Spring = baseball. I'm from the area..heard some of the same people involved(not necessarily the two guys who were found guilty today)

The info is on prinniefied.com she is the one who broke this story before anom..

[SemperEadem]

8. good

because that's what this was.

[newfie11]

9. Good! Nt

[msanthrope]

11. Throw the book, Your Honor. nt

[ProfessionalLeftist]

18. +1 n/t

[awoke_in_2003]

116. it is sad when the castration post gets hidden...

but the prison rape advocating post upthread remains.

[Cronus Protagonist]

160. That's an education about the collective morality of DU users in general

And hardly surprising it is too, based on experience. I find these nuggets to be edifying, rather than bothering because, although I don't subscribe to groupthink dynamics, it is an interesting subject. One could only be bothered by them if one expected better. I don't.



P.S. I love that people waste so much time on here checking each and every edit. Just in case they can find something to extend the usual group-hate dynamic to the scapegoat and dance a little more on their imagined corpse. I see no reason to be making it easy for them. lol

[BlancheSplanchnik]

24. or DE-PENAL-ized. In a manner of speaking.

Thank Reason these little pricks got what has been so long in coming to all little pricks of their ilk.

They've always been smug because they've always been coddled for meanness to girls. Let's keep the cultural change rolling.

[fitman]

75. What's really sad

is on another non political site I was on you could not believe how many women thought Trent Mays is handsome and they said they would date him when he got out of prison...

[historylovr]

196. Ugh!

[Laurian]

13. Now it's time for the football coach and other players

who were complicit to be held accountable.

[safeinOhio]

88. Suspend the football program for 10 years.

At least.

[davidpdx]

14. Updated coverage

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022521908

[DCBob]

15. hope this sends a message

thank you Judge Lipps.

[chillfactor]

16. thank God!!!

Maybe this idiotic town will wake up to the criminal behavior they have supported for years and years in the name of football.....Cry all you want boys..you really brought this on yourselves...

[In_The_Wind]

17. Justice is served!

[1gobluedem]

21. I hope there is shift in the attitude and culture of this town

That created these monsters and allowed them to believe they were untouchable.

[onpatrol98]

30. Not likely...

Last edited Sun Mar 17, 2013, 01:23 PM - Edit history (2)

Nothing will change...this (edited to include: some people in this) little town will still extract revenge on the victim...check out the friendships ended because of the accusation.

http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-74838025/

snip

"Two former friends of the accuser - Kelsey Weaver and Gianna Anile - told the court on Saturday that she was known for fabricating stories.

Weaver, 17, testified the accuser had told her she liked Mays. Weaver also said she watched the accuser drink four shots of vodka and two beers and flirt with Richmond on the night she says the rape occurred.

Weaver said the accuser told her she thought she had been drugged as well - a conclusion Weaver said she did not believe. Asked by the defense why she had doubts, Weaver said, "Because (she) lies about things."

Weaver and Anile were with the accuser on the night of the alleged rape. Both testified that they ended their friendship with her because of the accusations."

End of snip

Guaranteed they will make this young girls life miserable. Her best bet is to get as far away from the (edited to include: hateful little twits in this town who will blame her). Had it not been for this group of rapists deciding to chronicle their exploits, this town would have moved right on. Even with the chronicle by the rapists themselves, these girls chose to use lies about other things to justify not believing her...contradicting even the rapists own words.

[alarimer]

64. Wow.

Fucking assholes, the lot of them (the "friends" and the rest of the town). It's some consolation that small town football heroes never usually amount to much. In 20 years time, they'll probably be drunks working some shitty job in that same shitty town they grew up in, in lifeless marriages with these so-called friends.

This girl needs to move, if she hasn't already. If I were rich, I pay for her to go to school at, say, Stanford so she could get out of there.

[caseymoz]

66. Well, she lives in a different state.

In this case, it should be easier than usual to stay away from them. However, I could see this exploding into harassment over the Internet. The girl's name will soon be revealed by some troll.

What the girl's behavior shows is that blaming the victim is not just a male behavior. Girls don't generally lie about rape. There's really no reward to anticipate from it.

[Ilsa]

67. The quote of a fictional character

Might work here:
Dr. Gregory House: "Everybody lies."

Yeah, some people lie more frequently than others and about more serious issues. But these guys had sex with an unconscious minor. The proof was there. It doesn't matter if she is a liar or a flirt or a drunk.

[OnionPatch]

96. You're probably right that nothing will change

Just like nothing much ever changes in most small, corrupt towns, but it sounds like you're saying the whole town supported the rapists and that's just untrue. This is my hometown. I don't live there anymore but am still in close contact with many people from there. I haven't talked to a single one who didn't think what these guys did was appalling, even die-hard Big Red fans. The majority of the town will be glad to see these guys pay for what they did. There will remain a group of warped, immoral people who support the rapists but they aren't the whole town. Not even close.

[onpatrol98]

105. Apologize

Allow me to apologize, OnionPatch. I should not have given the impression that everyone in the town shared the same view. I believe few if any wanted this to explode onto the national scene. I have no doubt there are many in this town who are quite disturbed by this horror.

I also believe there is a group (I don't know how large or small), that would have been perfectly content with thinking it was partly the victim's fault. And, that whatever happened, happened because "she" drank too much and then suffered the consequences.

What I meant to imply and still believe is that among some of her peers, the party ended when this story broke. The fun drinking and partying that was a part of their world is now under a microscope. So, in their eyes, their fun is ruined and I think they'll blame her. It will take awhile for that culture to return. But, these kids had a carefree and careless lifestyle enabled by the adults in their lives. Now, the world is casting a critical look at these adults and some of them will bring these activities to a close for their children.

I would not be surprised, if some of their parents had allowed this behavior, because it's what they also did growing up. And, so, they may have viewed the "wilding" as a high school right of passage. But, for many of these kids...that's over. Many parents are going to sober up and be parents again. And, their kids are not going to be pleased. And, this poor victim was the "tattletale", in their eyes. Had she kept her mouth shut, been called a slut for awhile, the partying could have continued unabated. I didn't make up that little group of girls in my earlier post. They do exist. And, even small contingents can cause a lot of grief.

I remember reading about Chris Brown and the girl he beat up. Her name escapes me at the moment. Many of the comments from the young FEMALES blamed the girl he beat up.

[OnionPatch]

134. I understand.

This story just hits a little close to home, I guess, literally. I agree with you pretty much.

[awoke_in_2003]

117. I was born there and the family moved...

when I was four. I still have an uncle there. There are a lot of people there that are outraged by this, he being one. Whenever Steubenville makes the news it is never good, unfortunately.

[OnionPatch]

137. You're right, it never is.

That place seems to have a cloud hanging over it. I'm glad I got out of there but I left behind some great people.

[awoke_in_2003]

138. Yeah, I feel the same...

my uncle is a very great guy, and a strong liberal.

[OnionPatch]

164. There always was a strong union presence there.

Of course it's been weakened in recent times. Was your uncle a steelworker? I was a USWA member for a few years when I lived there and worked in the mill, as was my 83-year-old mother still living there. She's more liberal than me!

[awoke_in_2003]

170. No, he worked retail management...

but he is an old hippie. He is my favorite uncle, and the closest in personality to my mother.

[Jamastiene]

148. I have noticed that the citizens of small towns with corruption problems

tend to run the gamut of how they feel about things. That is why I tried to differentiate in my post that it seems to be those in charge in small towns with corruption problems. Many, if not most, citizens are often horrified by what goes on. It is those in charge who need an ethics check. In this specific case, from what I have read, the ones in charge tried to downplay this until outside attention made them deal with it differently.

[awoke_in_2003]

149. Yeah, the police force...

has a long history of corruption.

[Jamastiene]

87. Small towns with attitudes like that are extremely resistant to change.

I doubt there will be any positive change in that place. My hometown has the same kind of good ol' boys network in place and it is not going anywhere. The town next to us still denies racism caused all of those people to die in a locked chicken processing plant that caught fire, even after Jessie Jackson himself came here to shine a light on the severe racism that is rampant in local government. Local resident after local resident told that the reason those fire exit doors were locked was because they claimed the local black community would steal the chickens. Yet, the locals in charge still claim otherwise. They openly excluded Jessie Jackson from all of the ceremonies, despite objections from residents. Small towns like that never change. Ever ever ever.

[George II]

22. Justice, and now that a crime has been legally established, they can start prosecuting...........

........the dozens of witnesses who were there, too.

What I'd like to know is where are all the DUers who claimed these two were never going to be prosecuted or found guilty, and how could this rightful verdict of guilty be arrived at without "Occupy Steubenville"? Where were THEY this week? I guess they got their 15 minutes of fame back in January, no need to actually worry about the trial and verdict they claimed would never happen. Maybe there wasn't any free pizza and a disc jockey?

[Hissyspit]

27. These people you are talking about:?

"The rally consisted of many rape victims offering extremely moving testimonies about their own experiences being raped. One woman gave a tearful speech while wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, only to dramatically remove it and declare she didn’t want to hide anymore."

[christx30]

31. I can understand that thinking

Many people have lost faith in the justice system of this country. Many times in small, close-knit communities like this with a huge football addiction, these players can do pretty much anything they want. I was shocked (but happy) that they were actually charged. Never thought I would see a conviction. And none of it would have happened if that youtube video hadn't of gotten out. It would have been once again swept under the rug.

[davidpdx]

38. My honest to god feeling is that they were going to be aquitted

Not because I wanted them to be, but because the victim was being trashed so much by the defense and their witnesses and not trusting the system given this was happening in a football town. I think if this had been a jury trial it might have gone the other way. I'm glad I was wrong and they were found guilty (delinquent), but I agree with most everyone else the sentences were extremely lenient.

I hope they do start prosecuting others, but the cover up is so wide and deep who knows if it will happen or not. It's safe to say there were at other people who should be held accountable, how many I don't know.

[sir pball]

54. The juvenile prosecution was their preferential treatment

I don't know Ohio law off the top of my head but I'm pretty sure the DA could have had them tried as adults; by going the JD route, they can be found guilty and superficially satisfy justice, while practically getting a slap on the wrist, a stern lecture for their silly boyish behavior.

Bet you a beer that once they turn 21, they're set free (if they even get held that long) and have their records sealed.

[fitman]

76. Nope They will be labeled sex offenders the rest of their lives

AG Dewine just said so in his press conference.

[sir pball]

78. Good!

Would that preclude having their records sealed as well? A felon brand would be even better. Hope they like the McDonald's career track.

[davidpdx]

171. I was thinking the same thing

I missed Dewine's press conference though. It was midnight here by the time everything got wrapped up with court and I had to go to bed.

[sir pball]

175. On further thought, it was actually the smart move I think

Trying them as adults would have meant they could have demanded a jury. That would not have gone well. It was an end-run around that possibility, with the tradeoff of giving them relatively light sentences but with the options for some pretty serious long-term penalties. Any idea what level they have to register at? Quickly glancing at the law, if they have to register for life they're at the highest level, Sexual Predator: "An offender convicted of a sexually oriented offense who is found by the court to be likely to commit
another sex offense in the future". Sounds good to me.

[davidpdx]

180. Yes, I agree trying them as an adult would have been a gamble

and they certainly would have gotten harsher sentences including going to an adult prison. An adult prison would have been particularly nasty given their age and offense. A jury from Steubenville probably wouldn't have convicted them (the town was split evenly in opinion from what I read).

As far as the registration aspect, if they have to register the rest of their life then it would be under whatever the Ohio Sex Offender Registration law is in the state. They vary from state to state and I'm not familiar with Ohio law. The most common type of Sex Offender Registration law is that they have to register initially upon their release, then once a year or every time they move. Some states are more strict than that.

[sir pball]

181. Technically they're Tier III in Ohio

Lifetime registration, update in person every 90 days. As JDs though, they can petition the court to change that. And it's dependent on how the court rules when they come out of juvie, latest I've heard is that the classification is postponed till then.

[davidpdx]

183. That is a tougher law than other states

It sounds like it will depend on how well they try to rehabilitate themselves and take responsibility.

[Laurian]

45. I disagree. If Anonymous/Occupy/Social Media Activists had not

raised the visibility of this case, I feel certain we would not have seen any prosecution. The threat of even more attention being drawn to this incident (and others) prompted the authorities to act. Once the crime and cover up environment were exposed, the groups that focused attention on it rightly stepped aside to allow the judicial process to move forward. I have no doubt they would have been back if nothing was being done. Your snark about free pizza was a cheap shot. I appreciate all that these groups did to promote an investigation and trial in Steubenville.

[Jamastiene]

60. Well said.

I agree with what you said here. If not for Anonymous, Occupy, and social media, we would never have known about the case and they would not have had to do things by the books with the eyes of the world on them. I do not believe the case would have had the same outcome. I live in small town America and know that unless you get outside eyes on a situation, they will sweep you right under the rug and forget about you if you are a victim of members of the local football team or church leaders here.

[George II]

73. Not true, they'd already been arrested and charged weeks before the OS Block Party

[Laurian]

91. Arrested and charged perhaps, but it was not until after the

details of the case and the nature of the football culture and coverup mentality of many in Steubenville were exposed that an outside judge was brought in to hear the case. Also, the Ohio Attorney General became involved in the case after it blew up on social media. I absolutely believe that absent all the attention from outsiders, these perpetrators would have gotten out of this with little regard for the victim or justice.

I find your blind faith in the justice system a little surprising in light of the numerous examples to the contrary, especially in and around Steubenville.

[niyad]

48. a lot of people were worried, given the long history of corruption in that town. and, even this

morning, as I saw a headline saying the judge would issue a verdict today, I was worried. glad these two rapists were found guilty, but it doesn't look like they will be doing any serious time.

[George II]

74. But ultimately you didn't have anythng to worry about...

[niyad]

80. there is always plenty to worry about when it comes to rape and seeking justice for its survivors.

[bettyellen]

124. Occupy was right outside today, they were there in February, January and December too....

I can't imagine you've ever been part of a single protest if you think pizza is special. I think every protest I have ever been to had people passing around the hat so that they could share in some nourishment- most usually pizza. And the entertainment was largely people getting up and speaking on behalf of victims. Boilerplate protest. Now you know.

It appears you know nothing of Occupy's activities in Stuebenville, George. Why would you want to post in such complete ignorance?

[George II]

144. Well, to those that posted on DU from the "OS" protest in January..........

.....the free pizza and disk jockey were the highlight.

In every protest I've been to, food wasn't even considered and there was no music or "entertainment". We were there for a purpose, not to while away our time being fed and entertained.

[bettyellen]

150. I guess you've never been to a major protest with people bussed in from all over...

because it's SOP to have plan in place to feed and rehydrate the folks, have speakers, music between speakers, etc. That's what good organizers do.

This way, protesters don't have to leave the area in an unfamiliar city, and can socialize with likeminded people instead of splitting up. These likeminded people are sometimes local, and offer more food and shelter to people they just met- I guess you think that's awful too?

Every big war protest in NYC and DC had both pizza and music at times- sorry you missed them- it was awesome to meet and eat so many great people from allover the country. If you think protesting requires starvation and sackcloth and ashes you're sadly mistaken. That's a very unhealthy and negative attitude that helps no one network or be a more effective protester.

[George II]

193. "I guess you've never been to a major protest with people bussed in from all over..."

Yes I have. I was in college in Manhattan from 1967-1972. But to us back then there was a purpose for our gathering, and it wasn't a social event.

[bettyellen]

197. LO, sorry if you couldn't protest and eat the same day or that there was no music

because that would magically render the protest...

oh bullshit, there were loads of protests with music in the 70's. and people got to eat. Occupy has nothing to apologise for. without them, the state AG probably would not have gotten involved and took this case out of local hands. that certainly made a big difference in that corrupt little burg.
why you are bitter and jealous of Occupy's success, who knows. but no one but you is complaining about sharing pizza. ridiculous to think that somehow hurts a protest.

[George II]

200. Baloney...

...the two had already been arrested, charged, and their trial scheduled BEFORE the Steubenville block party. How did that happen?

[YarnAddict]

23. Just wish that asshole in the video

("Deader than OJ Simpson's wife!&quot could be sentenced, as well. Being that big an asshole should be a crime.

[George II]

25. That's next. The law has to proceed methodically....

...first the perpetrators, next the accessories.

[rdharma]

26. Slap on the wrists......

2 years in juvie for Trent, 1 year for Ma'lik.

[displacedtexan]

34. With credit for time served and a choice of programs?

Did I hear correctly? I barely got logged in at ABC.com when I heard the judge say that the parents had 5 facilities to choose from, and one of them had an excellent program for these youths. I also heard him say that they would decide later how often the two would have to check in with authorities as sex offenders.

[davidpdx]

42. I don't think they were locked up that much

Most of the time they were confined to their home. I think the judge was trying to reassure the parents that both would receive help. On the sex offender registration it may be different for juveniles than adults.

(to make it clear, I'm not siding with the defendants, just interpreting what I think the judge meant)

[Recursion]

44. They were tried as juveniles

Not that much more the judge can do; 1 and 2 years is the minimum, and it's up to the juvie system if they stay in until they're 21 or not.

[rdharma]

46. "it's up to the juvie system"

They'll be out at the end of their minimal sentenses....... I guarantee it!

[sir pball]

51. That was their special treatment..

Try them as kids so they get some punishment...but ya know, they were just boys being boys, sure they were naughty but no reason to try them as adults and ruin their lives forever for a youthful indiscretion! Ugh.

Honestly I wasn't paying attention enough to the case to know they were juvies; I just thought they were going to get off. Now it just LOOKS like justice was served when it really hasn't been. Anybody know the Ohio rules for making JDs register as sex offenders?

[Recursion]

52. It's up to the facility when they exit

The facility has to keep them 1 and 2 years, respectively, and at that point will decide whether to let them go or keep them longer (or do a halfway house sort of thing), and whether or not they have to register as sex offenders.

[sir pball]

57. I can see them staying till they're 21, maybe

But after that, I'll bet you a beer as well (just did this upthread) that they walk out with sealed/expunged records, if Ohio law allows it.

There's no reason I can think of they shouldn't have been tried as adults.

[Recursion]

63. They can't keep them past 21

There's no reason I can think of they shouldn't have been tried as adults.

Well, for me the fact that they aren't adults should factor into that decision. It sucks that we do that for white football player rapists and not for darker-skinned drug dealers, but I don't think trying them as adults too makes anything even...

[sir pball]

69. I meant 21 as the maximum

I generally have mixed feelings at best about trying juveniles as adults, especially when it's a young teen for something impulsive - but I damn well know when I was their age I knew that raping a girl was unconscionable, and this also doesn't seem to be a one-off incident where youthful idiocy got the better of them. Else we wouldn't be having this conversation about rape culture and the cult of athletics.

Sorry, but in this case I think they're sexual predators who need to be treated as such. Too bad there isn't a middle way with some kind of incarceration and treatment till 25 or 30 - but given a choice between lenient and harsh, here I'll err for harshness.

[alarimer]

68. I prefer to take the long view- those boys are small-town losers

And always will be. Their glory days are now behind them.

[sir pball]

71. Meh. I don't think the NFL would care about this conviction

No rule says you have to have played HS ball, or gone to college - I don't know how skilled these guys actually are but if they do well in the combine, not like the league isn't used to dealing with some pretty bad criminals..

[displacedtexan]

143. Thanks! n/t

[NealK]

111. Slap on the wrists. My thoughts exactly.

[840high]

121. Not enough imo.

[WinkyDink]

29. So what's with all the hugging crap? Why are these felons not being taken away?

[rdharma]

40. Did you see......

Did you see Police Chief McCafferty hugging the parents? What's up with that shit?

[christx30]

55. They are the sacrificial lambs.

The whole town was under an intense microscope because of this crime. There were many more involved than these two. Someone had to go down. They give up a year to protect the disgusting behavior of the rest. Still more evidence of the corruption.

[WinkyDink]

129. Goats, I'd say, speaking in Christian symbolic terms.

[Blue_Tires]

202. +1

[WinkyDink]

128. EXACTLY! I guess it's "Boys will be boys".

[Hissyspit]

32. UPDATE: Judge sentences convicted Ohio football players to at least 1 year

@BreakingNews: Update: Judge sentences convicted Ohio football players to at least 1 year in juvenile jail and said both can be held until they're 21 - @AP

[chillfactor]

33. as far as I am concerned....

the whole town should have been found gulity for supporting the despicable behavior of the football players

[davidpdx]

39. Actually I saw a report that the town was pretty evenly split

I think there were people in the town who believed that justice should be served for their behavior.

[avebury]

35. Now if they would only go after the adults

who aided and abetted these juvenile delinquents by providing alcohol to underaged minors.

[walkerbait41]

112. +1

[abelenkpe]

41. She wasn't too drunk. She was drugged.

But whatever. Happy to see they were found guilty.

[Tien1985]

61. And had she been drunk

And not drugged this would still be horribly f'd up.

I wish the sentence could've been much harsher.

[October]

163. I agree

[City Lights]

50. Good!

[Hissyspit]

58. UPDATE: @Reuters: Ohio attorney general calls for grand jury to determine if other crimes committed

@Reuters: Ohio attorney general calls for grand jury to determine if other crimes committed in relation to Steubenville case #breaking

[msanthrope]

94. Here comes the boom. nt

[walkerbait41]

122. This is what i think

Steubenville is broken and it needs to be fix. More peopel need to go to jail.

[PearliePoo2]

139. Yeah!

Lift up the rocks and expose the slimy creatures beneath!
I hope they are all crapping themselves in fear.

[rollin74]

65. Richmond could be out in less than a year?!?

minimum of one year sentence with time served


that's too lenient for a rape conviction imo

I hope they both serve more than the minimum

[L0oniX]

77. Justice will only be completely served when the others who witnessed this felony are prosecuted...

and those that interfered with the investigation. Who "all" received that photo? Did they "all" turn it in?

[whathehell]

82. +10 n/t

[NealK]

114. +1

[Auntie Bush]

79. I hopeevery boy/man in the country/world hear this verdict and let them forever remember it.

RAPE IS ILLEGAL AND PUNISHABLE BY IMPRISONMENT!
A WOMAN CAN'T GIVE CONSENT IF SHE IS UNCONSCIOUS.

[Jamastiene]

85. A big thank you to Anonymous and Occupy for bringing the eyes from the outside

onto this case to make the locals there bother to do something about at least 2 of their star athletes raping a girl. And yes, we can now drop the allegedly part. They have been convicted of rape now. They are rapists...really, not allegedly.

I have no doubt in my mind that town would not have done anything to those boys if the eyes of the world were not on them. I live in a small town and I know what it is like to be the victim of someone that the local authorities like. They will immediately claim you are mentally ill if you dare try to turn someone they like in for a crime. I know my hometown is one shitty place to be a victim of a crime. I learned the hard way to fight back on my own and never expect any help whatsoever from the police or any others in a position of authority. We have to take care of each other here and do ALL OF the footwork or the police will never help us*. Usually, even after we do all the work, they still won't help. It is worthless to even ask them for help.

That kind of stuff goes on in a lot of small towns. Those who claim otherwise either have never experienced small town life or maybe once lived in a nicer small town than many of us do.

*not including jocks, religious leaders, school principals, and rich people. The local police here are ONLY here for them. The rest of us are "mentally ill" if we dare turn them in for their crimes.

[MyTwoSense]

86. On a bit of a tangent...

Reading through the text messages, I was struck by how foul and coarse they were. For teenagers raised in a tech-heavy environment, it's interesting what they put in writing, and how they fail to understand the implications.

Edit for missing words.

[toby jo]

89. DeWine made a few good points

First, that this happens in towns all across America, and that it is too acceptable. He stated 'we need to stop this... make it unacceptable'. He came across as calm and concerned.

Then he announced a grand jury to convene on April 15th - looking for more charges.

This is good. On the down side, I live in this county, moved here 7 years ago. It's corrupt to the gills. I'm wondering how powerful a local grand jury will be?

I thought the sentences were light, but trying them as adults? No. A lot changes and shifts in your life at 18, your social situational awareness as well as continuing brain changes. They were crushed, and they deserved it. I'm guessing that Trent kid does more than the 2 yr minimum.

The football culture in this town, as well as in the country at large, is horrific, it needs to change. There were texts alluding to how the football coach was treating it as a 'joke'. What a fuck.

And the funniest for last: at the press conference outdoors, the victim's priest was there. He stated that he was there for the family, they are good christians, etc. And that we need to teach our young men responsibility towards woman. How bout starting with your misogynist faith, father? That little drumbeat of 'woman belong beneath our heels?'

[Shivering Jemmy]

125. Do you know their priest?

It sounds like you do.

[happyslug]

178. Actual quote from the Victim's Family Priest:

The Rev. Larry Dorsch, pastor of St. Paul Catholic Church in Weirton, the parish of the victim's family, said he was in the juvenile courtroom all week supporting the family.

"They are a very strong family, a family that takes its Christian faith very seriously," he said.

"What we learned as a community is we have difficult issues we need to work on with kids. We need to deal with sexual issues. We need to teach young men how to respect women, in dealing with their own sexuality and dealing with women with respect," Dorsch said.

http://www.hsconnect.com/page/content.detail/id/584361/Emotions-high-as-juveniles-are-sentenced-in-rape-case.html?nav=5010

The Mother of the Victim released an Audio after the Verdict:

The mother of the victim released an audio statement after the sentencing Sunday.

"It did not matter what school you went to, what city you lived in, what sport you played, human compassion is not taught by a teacher, coach or a parent. It is a God-given gift instilled in all of us. You displayed not only a lack of this compassion, but a lack of any moral code. Your decisions that night affected countless lives, including those most dear to you. You were your own accuser through this social media that you chose to publish your criminal conduct on. This does not define who my daughter is. She will persevere, grow and move on. I have pity for you both, and hope you fear the Lord. Repent for your actions and pray hard for his forgiveness," she said.

http://www.hsconnect.com/page/content.detail/id/584361/Emotions-high-as-juveniles-are-sentenced-in-rape-case.html?nav=5010

[MAD Dave]

92. Welcome to the Jungle Young Men!

You will be recognized for a long time.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

93. This is what gets me.

"I would truly like to apologize to [girl's name], her family, and the community ... No pictures should have been sent around, let alone taken," Mays told the courtroom.

http://deadspin.com/judge-delivers-guilty-verdict-in-steubenville-rape-tria-455236111?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

No pictures should have been taken? You should have kept your fucking hands off her in the first place.

[SHRED]

102. Violent animals with no conscious...

...no guiding decency. They need to be put away for a very long time to protect society at large.


--

[jsr]

107. Now, throw them in jail.

[roaminronin]

115. The boys that were dumb enough to take a picture

are not the only ones affected by this.

Apparently the one with the county prosecutor mom and the principal dad is having his wrestling scholarship to Kent State reviewed and the one that posted the YouTube video is no longer at Ohio State U.

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/01/steubenville-rape-case-party-host/60656/

This is not over.

[Honeycombe8]

118. YES!!!! Justice, at last. nt

[Heidi]

123. I'm glad the the AG will be investigating further.

This sort of behavior doesn't occur in a vacuum, in my opinion. I have every suspicion that these guys were not only enabled but encouraged, and every confidence that the "rape culture" (that many on DU do not believe exists) will be evidenced by any true investigation of this situation.

[Jamastiene]

136. Exactly.

There is more below the surface of this case. Too many knew this happened, including adults who were in charge of the players. There is something screwy, for lack of a better word, about that.

[Lobo27]

130. To mother fucking leniant.

Rape...... Is one of the worst things a man can do. No god damn excuse. I'm not a believer of the death penalty, but in cases of rape is it that wrong that I wouldn't mind the rapist to be killed? Perhaps its blind rage... I don't know...

[Jamastiene]

133. A question for those who know more details:

Why was one sentenced to 1 year and the other sentenced to 2 years? Does anyone know the specifics of why that is?

[alcibiades_mystery]

140. The two year term is for two offenses, served consecutively

Mays was convicted of rape, and of, essentially, distributing child pornography by sending the pictures.

Richmond didn't send any pictures, and was only convicted of the single (rape) offense, so he didn't receive two sentences.

Rape + distribution = 2 years min.
Rape = 1 year minimum.

That's the reasoning.

[Jamastiene]

147. Thank you.

I did not know the specifics. That makes more sense now. Thank you for telling me. I did not have enough time to keep up with it with everything so busy irl this week and did not know.

[smirkymonkey]

141. K&R

Good!

[Stonepounder]

145. The football coach needs to be fired

And the football program needs to be suspended for a minimum of 4 years - until all students who are involved in the program have graduated and are no longer in the school. If the coach didn't know what was going on, he should have. There is a culture here that needs to be changed. A much stronger message needs to be sent to the 'jocks' that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.

As if that's gonna happen.

[Sheldon Cooper]

166. If I'm remembering this right, I think those boys took this girl, while she was

clearly incapacitated, to the home of one of the coaches. He simply told them to take her somewhere else. What a stand up guy.

[Doctor_J]

146. So I guess the girl is not an "alleged victim" any more

enjoy prison, guys

[SunSeeker]

153. Good. This is what's called a "teachable moment" for Steubenville, and the country. nt

[valerief]

154. Wow, I didn't think males could be convicted of rape in America anymore.

Wonder what pol benefits from this decision.

[tawadi]

155. Thank god for the protesters

I'm convinced this case would've been swept under the rug and forgotten if not for them.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/05/steubenville-rape-protests_n_2416820.html

[lunasun]

156. +1

they will not do much time but at least convicted with rape on record
case was high profile thanks to protests/outrage

[davidn3600]

157. And nothing will change, this will be put in the past

One article said that probably 80% of the town favors football over the girl. So now the plan will be to scapegoat these two, put it all in the past, and get back to football.

I know someone on facebook that says they grew up near Steubenville. That place is in its own little world. And there have been rumors of rapes for many, many years. Many on the town's police force used to be part of the football team and the school. And the football players have for years been given a pass. And that won't change. The Sheriff is good friends with the coach.

My advice for people raising girls in that area....move.

[Chalco]

161. Instead of girls being taught how to avoid or fend off rape,

boys need to be taught how to respect girls, how to listen to their words and actions, how not to rape. How to respect. This needs to be taught in health ed, gym class, homes, work, families.

I am sick and tired of this.

[justiceischeap]

162. If they had been caught with 1000g to 4999g of pot, their sentences would be the same.

If they were inner city kids, their sentences would probably be more severe. Something needs to be done about sexual assault/rape sentences in the US.

[lovuian]

167. Anonymous needs to be congratulated at exposing this corrupt town

they have a victory here

[DonCoquixote]

174. GOOD

Granted, I am mad as hell at the "coaches" that taught these young men their warped sense of morals, and i would love for them to do the time, but we have to draw a line in the fucking sand.

[happyslug]

177. Local Newspaper on this ruling:

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/region/steubenville-teens-found-delinquent-in-rape-trial-679707/



More details from the Stubenvill Herald-Star:

http://www.hsconnect.com/page/content.detail/id/584361/Emotions-high-as-juveniles-are-sentenced-in-rape-case.html?nav=5010

[Dj13Francis]

188. What's disgusting about this

is that it wasn't the ten guys who raped her that were found guilty - only the two sacrificial lambs. Two scapegoats to take the blame for the dozen involved. Sick.

[Doctor_J]

192. Can we get a round for Anonymous?

[marshall]

194. This compares to the horrific rape in Cleveland, Texas

Hopefully some of the more than a dozen men and boys will soon be sobbing after their conviction for raping an 11 year old Hispanic girl.