TULSA, Okla. — The Sperry teens accused of rape by instrumentation against another student appeared in court on Aug. 27.
Two witnesses were questioned. The judge reviewed two videos, including one of the forensic interviews with the victim by the Child Abuse Network and a Snapchat video of the incident.
WATCH: IN COURT: Preliminary hearing in Sperry rape case
The defense continued to object to the adult charges, arguing that the defendants should be classified as youthful offenders. The judge dismissed all their attempts.
The judge found the DA presented enough evidence for the case to move forward. The next court date is scheduled for September 8th.
Court documents said two teens assaulted another student with a hairbrush through their clothing while at school.
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The victim's lawyer said someone sent a video of the assault around the school before the victim's mother got the video.
Three teens initially faced charges, but about a month later, the Tulsa County district attorney dropped one of the students’ charges, saying the third teen was a witness, not directly involved.
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Charge dropped against 1 teen in Sperry assault case
The teens went from adult charges to juvenile charges, then back to adult charges in an appeals court—all over a statute’s interpretation.
Another piece to this story came as three Sperry staff members had their teaching certificates suspended.
The lawyer for the victim told 2 News the staff members didn’t report the incident, instead punishing the victim and alleged offenders for “horseplay in the locker room.”
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2 News reached out about the district’s superintendent yesterday. Superintendent Brian Beagles said all three staff members had their contracts renewed for this school year, but are still on paid suspension.
Superintendent Beagles said when OSDE lifts their suspensions, the staff will be brought back to their previous positions.
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