STEUBENVILLE - Jefferson County Prosecutor Jane Hanlin said she will step aside in the prosecution of a recently reported sexual assault case that allegedly involves students and graduates of Steubenville High School.
City Police reported the parents of a female juvenile showed up at the police station at 1:40 a.m. on Aug. 14 to report a sexual assault involving their daughter. They were referred to the police department's juvenile division.
City Law Director S. Gary Repella said there is a sexual assault investigation involving Steubenville officers and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. Repella said no charges have been filed.
Hanlin said she will ask the state attorney general's office to come in and prosecute the case if charges are filed.
"I know too many of the individuals on a personal level," Hanlin said.
Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla had no comment on the investigation.
A search warrant was obtained to confiscate several cell phones of persons who either were allegedly involved in the case or who have knowledge of the events. That search warrant was sealed upon the order of Jefferson County Common Pleas Judge Joseph Bruzzese Jr. because the affidavit used to obtain the search warrant contained names of juveniles.
Steubenville City Schools Superintendent Michael McVey couldn't be reached for comment.
