ROCKVILLE — (AP/ WMAL) The Rockville High School PTSA is meeting tomorrow night to discuss a rape that occurred inside the school building Thursday.
A 14-year-old girl was walking in a hallway when another student, Jose Montano, 17, asked her to walk with them and to have sex, but she refused, the release said.
Montano asked her again, then forced her into a boy’s bathroom and into a stall, where he and 18-year-old Henry Sanchez (pictured) raped her, police said.
Immigration Enforcement officials confirmed that Sanchez has a pending case with them. Montano’s status could not be confirmed.
County Council President Roger Berliner said Monday the County strikes “the right balance” because it does not act as federal immigration status enforcers, but also does not stand for those who commit crime.
Police say they’ve charged Montano and Sanchez with first-degree rape and two counts of first-degree sexual offense. Montano is charged as an adult. Court records do not list attorneys for either. Both are being held without bail.
County executive Ike Leggett issued the following statement:
“I was immediately sick and disgusted when it was reported that two young men raped a 14-year-old student at Rockville High School last Thursday. This should not happen. Period. My deepest condolences go out to this young girl and her family.
Thankfully, the alleged rapists were arrested by the police. Obviously, if convicted, these young men need to be severely punished for this heinous act, and I am confident that the justice system will do its job.
In addition, I know that Police Chief Thomas Manger is hard at work with his staff investigating what happened and securing procedures to ensure our students are safe and their parents don?t have to worry. We are working with School Superintendent Jack Smith to support Rockville High School Principal Billie-Jean Bensen, and the entire Rockville High School community in this time while anxiety is high.
Although these individuals had no previous involvement in the County’s criminal justice system, these alleged rapists do have outstanding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) orders. If convicted, and after serving their sentences, the County — consistent with our longstanding policy — will cooperate fully with ICE to see that the two are deported to their countries of origin.
To the Rockville High School community and the neighborhoods it serves, I want you to know that the County government and the school system will do whatever is necessary to keep your children safe.”
