Prosecutor: Ohio rape case pursued over dad's wish

4/15/2013

COLUMBUS — A newspaper says authorities investigated the rape of a 16-year-old girl by two Ohio high school football players even after the victim’s father asked them to drop the case.

Jefferson County Prosecutor Jane Hanlin says it would not have been in the best interest of justice, the victim or other potential victims not to keep pursuing the case.

Hanlin told the Steubenville Herald-Star for a story Sunday that it was absolutely the right decision to make.

Hanlin also disputes the role that bloggers and online activists played in publicizing details about the rape. She tells the newspaper the two players were convicted based on evidence police had gathered within the first few days of the investigation.

A message was left with the victim’s attorney.