CBS4 Exclusive: Mother & Aunt Of Rape Suspect Speak Out
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MIRAMAR (CBSMiami) – Three men accused of robbing, raping and terrorizing women in Miramar remained in jail Monday.
The mother and aunt of one of those suspects are speaking out exclusively to CBS4 News, saying their loved one is innocent and is "being railroaded."
Frankie Lee Gatlin, 19, Kinshon Johnekins, 19, and Britton Blackwood, 20, were arrested over the weekend and face numerous charges including sexual battery, robbery with a firearm, false imprisonment and theft.
In all, police said four women were raped.
The men are being held without bond.
CLICK HERE To Watch Peter D'Oench's Report
The mother and aunt of Gatlin told CBS4's Peter D'Oench Monday they believe he is innocent. The two women did not want to show their faces on camera for CBS4 and only gave their first names.
"I just go to believe in him," said Betsy, Gatlin's mother. "I know he didn't do that. He's better than that."
"I feel terrible for the women but they could be lying," added Gatlin's aunt named Rose. "I'm totally convinced that he's innocent."
D'Oench also learned Gatlin is on probation for child abuse.
Police said Gatlin, Johnekins and Blackwood were involved in separate incidents in September and October.
"They make it like he's an awful kid but he's not," said Rose.
According to police, on September 24th, two women, who came to Miami from the Port Charlotte area, met up with Blackwood and Gatlin at a Miramar residence after meeting through social media.
"Both women were held at gunpoint. Both women were raped by both of these individuals," said Tania Rues with Miramar Police. "Their personal belongings were also stolen. These men robbed, raped and terrorized women."
Miramar Police said on October 26th, a woman in her 20s left Club 7 off Miramar Parkway and State Road 7 and got in her vehicle, parked at a nearby KFC.
"These 2 men raped this girl in her vehicle. They threatened her. They told her if she reported the crime, they would kill her," said Rues.
According to investigators, surveillance video and DNA evidence identified Blackwood and Johnekins as the attackers.
A third incident is now under investigation.
Miramar police said at least one of the three men is believed to have been involved in another rape early Friday morning.
Two more women were terrorized and one was raped in that case, police said.
Records show Gatlin was on three-years of probation for a June child abuse case, but his aunt and his mother said he is innocent in that case too.
"He did not do that. Frankie was just hanging with the wrong people," said Rose. "I know my nephew." "Frankie is not that type of boy to rape and hold women at gunpoint. Frankie's not that type of kid."
"Frankie's my son. I don't appreciate that they are railroading my boy cause Miramar don't like him, no way. He's trying to stay home and be a better child," Gatlin's mother added. "I know he didn't do all that stuff.
Police said Gatlin and his two friends are all convicted felons.
Officers believe there are more victims out there and are asking them or anyone with information to step forward and call Miramar Police at 954-602-4000.
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