Richmond High gang rape suspects plead not guilty

By The Associated Press
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 11:58 a.m.

RICHMOND, Calif. — Six defendants in the gang rape of a 16-year-old Richmond girl have pleaded not guilty to charges against them.

The males, who range in age from 15 to 21, entered their pleas to rape and other charges Tuesday morning in Contra Costa County Superior Court.

The juveniles – 15-year-old Cody Ray Smith, 16-year-old Ari Morales and 17-year-old Marcelles Peter – are being charged as adults. The other defendants are Jose Montano, Manuel Ortega and Elvis Torrentes.

Authorities say they participated in the gang rape outside Richmond High School's homecoming dance on Oct. 24. Investigators believe as many as 10 people raped the victim, while another 20 or so watched without calling police.

All defendants are due back in court on Jan. 21 to set a date for their preliminary hearings.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009 ... ot-guilty/