Cottonwood AZ (February 24, 2015) – UPDATE – On February 23,2015, the State dismissed the charges against the three juveniles from Mingus Union High School accused of committing kidnapping and sexual assault on January 31, 2015. They have been released from custody.
The investigation by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing and additional information is expected. A final charging decision will be made by the County Attorney’s Office when all information is received. The County Attorney would like to remind the public that these individuals remain innocent until proven guilty in court.
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Cottonwood AZ (February 6, 2015) – On February 2, 2015, YCSO deputies were dispatched to the reported sexual assault of a female student who attends Mingus Union High School in Cottonwood. Deputies met the 15-year-old victim at the school and she recounted circumstances of a sexual assault occurring Saturday (January 31, 2015) involving 3 male students from the school. The incident took place in an area outside of Cottonwood.
The victim told deputies that earlier on Saturday evening one of the suspects contacted her by phone and asked if she would like to hang out with some friends. She agreed and was picked up at her home a short time later by 3 fellow students. They drove to a remote area where she was told an outdoor social gathering was underway. No such activity was occurring. The vehicle finally stopped and a short time later the victim was sexually assaulted by the suspects. They eventually drove her home around midnight and dropped her off.
Deputies contacted detectives from the Criminal Investigations Bureau and the following day, February 3rd, all 3 suspects were arrested. Two of the suspects, both 16-years-old, were arrested at Mingus Union High School. The third suspect, a 17-year-old, was arrested at his Cottonwood home. All suspects were booked at the Prescott Juvenile Detention Center on charges of Kidnapping and Sexual Assault. One of the suspects was additionally charged with Criminal Liability.
Citizens can contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office with information or questions at 928-771-3260 or the YCSO website: www.ycsoaz.gov