When we first heard the horrible account of a 16-year-old girl allegedly sexually assaulted by fellow classmates from Montclair High, three suspects had been arrested. Now the Essex County Prosecutor's Office says there may have been eight or more students, including girls, who witnessed the incident. The alleged assaults appear to have taken place in several rooms of the home of 18-year-old Romal Roberts. It is not yet known if drugs were involved.
Police confiscated several cell phones and other evidence from the crime scene, which may contain video of the assault. The prosecutor's office spokesperson, Paul Loriquet, admitted that the witnesses could face charges. He also stated although the medical reports are still being studied, he believes the victim, although a special ed student, does not suffer from a mental disability.
In the complaint filed against Roberts, there were multiple charges of aggravated sexual assault involving forced oral sex, intercourse, and anal penetration with a stick. Each first degree charge carries a sentence of up to 15 years. Today, Roberts, whom neighbors described as a "stand up kid" who helped adults shovel snow, entered a plea of not guilty.
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Maybe this was some kind of 'initiation' that got way, way out of hand.