Saugus High Student Pleads Not Guilty to Rape

A 16-year-old Saugus High School student has denied allegations that he raped a 15-year-old classmate last week in a school storage room.

The boy, who police said is a known gang member on parole for other offenses, pleaded not guilty Monday in Sylmar Juvenile Court to one count each of forcible rape, false imprisonment, kidnapping and digital penetration.

The alleged attack took place around 10:45 a.m. last Wednesday during a graphic arts class. Police say the suspect forced the girl into a storage room adjacent to the photography darkroom and assaulted her.

The boy remains at Sylmar Juvenile Hall where he has been held since Wednesday. His name was withheld because he is a minor.

On Monday, the youth was ordered to return to court June 17 for a hearing when prosecutors will argue he should remain in custody, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Nancy Lidamore.

At that time, another hearing will be set to determine whether the boy will be tried as a juvenile or an adult. If he is convicted as a juvenile, he could be confined in the California Youth Authority until he is 25,” said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office.

“If he is tried as an adult and found guilty, he’s looking at a state prison term,” Gibbons said. “The rape charge alone carries a maximum sentence of eight years.”