The Barton County Sheriff’s Office found evidence for criminal charges against a suspect in the alleged sexual assault that happened Feb. 3 on a Great Bend USD 428 school bus that was heading back to Great Bend from a swim meet in Salina.
According to the Barton County Sheriff’s Office, they have concluded the initial investigation.
“It is our belief the investigation supports evidence that the following crimes occurred. These crimes include aggravated criminal sodomy, Battery and criminal restraint,†Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir said.
Bellendir also mentioned that the criminal sodomy charge is normally a felony, but that might not be the case is juvenile court. This determination is under the jurisdiction of Barton County Attorney Doug Matthews.
The sheriff’s office has identified a 15-year-old victim, and a 17-year-old suspect. Both are students at Great Bend High School.
“Because both the suspect and the victim are juveniles, their names will not be released,†Bellendir said.
The case was given to the Barton County attorney’s office late Monday.
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