3 Teens Reportedly Confess To Sexual Assault Of Schoolmate, 13
BANNING (CBS) — Three 13-year-old boys were under arrest Friday for allegedly sexually assaulting a female classmate in a Banning park.
The boys have confessed, according to police.
Banning police said the attack occurred around 5:30 p.m. Monday at Roosevelt Williams Park, near Blanchard and Wilson streets.
The 13-year-old victim, whose name was not released, told investigators she was walking through the park when she was approached by three boys from Nicolet Middle School, which she also attends.
"The three male juveniles began to sexually fondle the victim, grabbed her by her arms and forced her onto a playground set," according to Banning police. "The victim alleged the suspects continued to fondle her, and one juvenile raped her while the other two held her."
After conducting interviews Wednesday and Thursday the trio were arrested and booked on suspicion of sexual assault into Riverside Juvenile Hall, authorities said.
"I let my sister walk home once from school, and now I don't want to ever again," Banning resident Amy Seek told reporters.
She said she was "shocked" by word of the alleged rape.
"My heart was pounding. I started shaking. That could have been my sister," Seek said.
The playground where the alleged assault occurred is less than a mile east of the school. Banning police are expected to meet with Nicolet's administrators next week to discuss security concerns and the possibility of increasing patrols at surrounding recreational grounds.
Counseling services are being offered to Nicolet students who may be experiencing anxiety or stress over what happened. The school's principal, Robert Meteau, said a message was being drafted to parents.
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