LEWISTON, NY (WKBW) — An 18-year-old teenager from Lewiston has pleaded guilty in a rape and sexual assault case involving multiple victims, according to three sources who spoke with 7 Eyewitness News on a condition of anonymity to protect the victims.
The teen, whom 7 Eyewitness News is not naming because he is eligible for Youthful Offender status, pleaded guilty on Monday in a closed court session in Niagara County Court, according to the sources.
The specific allegations against the teen have not been made public because of New York State's laws protecting those under the age of 18 who have been criminally charged. A tipster notified police that possible criminal activity was happening inside a home on Mountain View Drive in Lewiston, which triggered a lengthy criminally investigation.
In November 2018, the then-17-year-old was charged with first degree rape, third degree rape and sexual abuse involving multiple 15- and 16-year-old girls.
7 Eyewitness News has not been able to independently verify what charges the defendant pleaded guilty to on Monday.
One parent emailed 7 Eyewitness News about the guilty plea, writing "it was a heavy burden off our daughters shoulders!!!"
He is scheduled to be back in court at the end of July for sentencing.
A separate civil lawsuit has been filed by a "Jane Doe" who claims she was sexually assaulted in November 2017 at the home on Mountain View Drive.
