By Traci Chapman
Contributing Writer
A jury trial is underway for a 17-year-old Piedmont youth accused of first-degree rape.
Testimony was continuing in the case Thursday; jury selection was completed Monday, officials at Canadian County District Court said.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed with the court by the Piedmont Police Department, the incident allegedly happened during a March party without any adult supervision, during which the accused youth and alleged victim were drinking – as were another eight individuals identified as friends of the two students.
Prosecutors filed the case as a “youthful offender” criminal action. The defendant could face a minimum five-year sentence in Oklahoma Department of Corrections custody, officials said.
The jury trial with District Judge Jack McCurdy presiding, could continue into next week, court personnel said Thursday.
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