A 15-year-old boy, accused of serving as a lookout during an alleged rape at Westside High School, is set to be released from custody as early as Wednesday. The teenager, who will be released to his parents’ care, must adhere to specific stipulations, including GPS monitoring and compliance with home program rules.
Westside High School
After spending several weeks at the Douglas County Youth Center, the accused juvenile will now have the opportunity to start anew under strict supervision. The alleged incident took place in December, leading prosecutors to declare the boy a danger to the public. However, his attorney argued that his role as a mere lookout did not justify continued incarceration.
A seemingly remorseful suspect claimed to have learned about the assault after the fact, stating that he was watching the door in the school stairwell to avoid getting in trouble for vaping. The court hearing focused on determining whether the teen would remain in custody rather than sorting through the facts of the case.
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Judge Chad Brown announced the release, acknowledging the teenager’s clean record, stable family, and community involvement as contributing factors. Nevertheless, the judge cautioned that if the extensive list of rules, such as avoiding social media and maintaining no contact with the victim or co-defendant, were not followed, the consequences could be severe.
The accused has a chance to make amends, but only under certain conditions, thanks to this ruling. The community’s safety will be prioritized as the young man continues his education through online programs with Omaha Public Schools, under tight supervision.
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