14-year-old charged with rape of teen in Warren high school
WARREN, Mich. (WJBK) - A high school freshman was raped inside a Warren high school and a classmate who is suspected of committing the horrible act is facing life in prison.
Warren police say 14-year-old Khymani Jamal Tolbert raped the girl inside Lincoln High School last Tuesday. According to prosecutors, Tolbert attacked a 14-year-old girl and sexually assaulted her. Prosecutors said the girl fought with Tolbert for 25 minutes before he overpowered her and raped her.
Officials say the entire act was captured on school surveillance.
"Due to the violent nature of this crime and the fact that Mr. Tolbert is currently on felony probation, we ask that he be remanded to a juvenile facility," the prosecution said.
On Tuesday, he was charged as an adult on three counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct and unlawful imprisonment.
"That shows his brazen nature and his willingness to continue to violate other students at the school," the prosecution argued.
In a statement, Warren police commissioner Bill Dwyer said that the girl is traumatized:
"This was a violent, vicious attack on a female student. It was brutal, heinous, monstrous, and shocking to veteran law enforcement detectives in Warren. The entire Warren Police Department extends its sympathy and support for the victim and her family."
According to prosecutors, when asked to give a statement after the alleged attack, Tolbert ran off from the school and they believe he tossed evidence.
Prosecutors also say that Tolbert is on felony probation for another offense and that he sexually assaulted another young teen two weeks prior.
"That act had different elements to it. It may have involved the element of consent by that statute. However, statutorily, she cannot consent," prosecutors said.
The superintendent of Van Dyke Public Schools, Piper Bognar, released a statement to FOX 2, confirming the act:
"We are horrified and saddened by this situation. The school personnel responded swiftly, and we are continuing to work with the Warren Police Department and related law enforcement authorities. We are doing all we can for the victim and the family. We are limited in what we can share due to privacy concerns, but rest assured that the safety of our students is always our number one concern. We will continue to act in the best interest of the school community."
Meanwhile, Tolbert's family was in court on Tuesday to show their support. They would not comment to FOX 2 reporters.
"If true, this defendant would be someone from whom the public needs to be protected and a very dangerous person. (This has) convinced that, at least at this time, pretrial release should be denied and will be denied," Judge John Chmura said.
Tolbert is being held in jail and faces life in prison if convicted. He's due back in court on December 14.