Saturday, October 13, 2007

Not guilty plea in South Dakota campus rape

A former University of South Dakota student pleaded not guilty to a charge of 2nd-degree rape Friday. Zachary Larson, 19, allegedly entered the victim's dorm room and forced himself on her despite the victim's pleas to stop. The incident followed a gathering with other students in their shared dorm. Arrested on his birthday, September 19, USD ordered him off of campus and he is now living with family in Blaine, Minnesota. Larson remains free on $2500 bond, with a no-contact order regarding the victim.

Teddi Gertsma, Clay County District Attorney, said, "Anytime you have victims of rape, it is a serious matter, and we simply want to protect everyone and prosecute to the fullest extent."

Clay County Public Defender Phil Peterson said about his client, "Obviously, a heavy cloud hanging over him, it's a serious allegation, and something he wants to have us defend to the fullest."

Defense, Prosecution Discuss USD Rape Trial

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