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Teens jailed for sexual assault

 

Two teenagers - one a juvenile, the other 18 - were arrested on Thursday, May 26, after allegedly committing a sexual assault on a 16-year-old girl during an afternoon wood shop class at Sonoma Valley High School.

According to a report compiled by Sonoma Police, the victim, a Sonoma resident, came to the principal's office in tears at about 2:50 p.m., claiming she had been assaulted inside a storage room by two boys while a third watched.

The victim told police that she was in the process of locking the storage room when the 17-year-old suspect, who was standing inside the room, called to her with a question. As she approached him, he took her arm and pulled her into the room, then put his arms around her waist, saying, "Come on ..."

At the same time, the 18-year-old entered the room and wrapped his arms tightly around the victim while the first suspect began groping her breasts. The third youth was reportedly standing in the room and observed the attack but did not participate.

The victim managed to slap away the hands of the 17-year-old attacker and struggle out of the room as the class bell rang. She then ran to the office to report the assault. The entire incident lasted 10 to 15 seconds, she told police, adding that she feared for her safety.

A campus superintendent was able to locate the 18-year-old on campus and returned him to the office where police questioned him. Confronted with the girl's accusations, the youth admitted her claims were true. Asked why he did it, the suspect reportedly told police, "Because I'm f****** stupid."

The 17-year-old was questioned by police at his home and admitted to the accusations as well. The third youth, also present at the 17-year-old's home, first denied knowledge of the assault, then admitted he had been present but did not participate, an account corroborated by the victim.

Police charged the 17-year-old with false imprisonment, a felony, sexual battery and conspiracy to commit a crime. He was booked into the Sonoma County juvenile hall.

The 18-year-old, Ivan Torres-Tellez, was also charged with false imprisonment, sexual battery and conspiracy, and was booked into the Sonoma County jail.

The third youth was not charged, but a report was submitted to the District Attorney for consideration of subsequent charges.