Rape charges dropped against immigrant teens in Maryland high school case
Rape charges against two teenage illegal immigrants accused of raping a 14-year-old girl in a Maryland high school bathroom in March were dropped on Friday.
A judge granted the defense attorney’s request to drop charges of first-degree rape and first-degree sexual offense charges against 17-year-old Jose Montano.
“Facts in this case do not support the original charges,” John McCarthy, state attorney for Montgomery County, said. “Prosecution is untenable.”
McCarthy said that Montano will be released immediately and referred to juvenile court on pornography charges, and 18-year-old Henry Sanchez will now face pornography charges. No other charges are being pursued.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Rockville High School community, particularly the female student who has been at the center of this,” the superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Jack Smith, said Friday. “Our work continues as we review safety procedures and protocols in all of our schools.”
Smith said that MCPS has no role in the investigations but always “fully cooperates” with the Montgomery County Police Department and state prosecutors.
“We appreciate our colleagues for their extensive and thoughtful investigation into a matter that has significantly, and adversely, impacted our entire community,” Smith said. “The safety and security of every student in each school is our first priority and a responsibility that we take very seriously.”
The case sparked a national debate on immigration, as both Montano and Sanchez are undocumented immigrants from El Salvador and Guatemala, respectively, even drawing comments from the White House at one daily press briefing in March. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer was asked about the allegations against the two and said, “The idea that this occurred is shocking, disturbing, horrific.”
“Part of the reason that the president has made illegal immigration and crackdown such a big deal is because of tragedies like this,” Spicer said. “Immigration pays its toll on our people if it’s not done legally, and this is another example.”
In March, a Maryland judge denied bond for Montano due to alleged text messages and explicit videos that he initially said did not prove his innocence. Prosecutors also suggested that both Montano and Sanchez used “MS-13 gang signs,” but Montano’s lawyers denied those allegations.
The new child pornography charges will be pursued against Sanchez in approximately 90 days. Sanchez could face up to five years in prison if found guilty.
