"A grand jury is an investigative tool that is uniquely suited to ensure fairness and to complete this investigation," DeWine said at a press conference today, according to ABC News.
17 year-old Trent Mays and 16 year-old Ma’lik Richmond were both found guilty today of sexually assaulting an intoxicated 16 year-old girl.
Both Mays and Richmond were sentenced to at least one year in juvenile detention, and may be held until they turn 21. Mays was also sentenced to an additional year for distributing nude images of a minor.
DeWine said that investigators have identified 43 people who attended at least one of the parties where the assaults took place. 27 of them have already been interviewed, but the remaining 16 refused to cooperate.
"A prosecutor's most important duty is to seek justice. I believe with these verdicts that justice has been done," DeWine said. "However, this is not a happy time for anyone. Every rape is a tragedy. This is a tragedy."
The defense teams for both convicted teenagers say that they plan to appeal the decision.
