Teen accused in crime spree charged with statutory rape

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

LEITCHFIELD, Ky. (AP) — One of two teenage sweethearts who are suspected in a multistate crime spree of stolen vehicles and pilfered checks has returned to Kentucky to face several charges including statutory rape.

Local news outlets report 18-year-old Dalton Hayes was crying during his arraignment Thursday afternoon at the Grayson County courthouse. He pleaded not guilty to charges that included statutory rape, custodial interference, criminal mischief, trespassing, theft and burglary. In addition, he was appointed a public defender and given a $250,000 cash bond.

Hayes was arrested in Panama City Beach, Florida, on Saturday, two weeks after he disappeared with his 13-year-old girlfriend.

Authorities say they suspect the two of stealing vehicles and writing stolen checks while they were on the run. The girl is expected to face charges in juvenile court.

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/93156c49d954485da9cf42484ba91618/teen-accused-crime-spree-charged-statutory-rape

[ck4829]

1. "Sweethearts"... "Bonnie and Clyde"

I don't get it, why aren't they considered 'thugs'? Why is nobody's culture being called to come out and repent for the crimes of these two? Am I missing something here?

[Bluenorthwest]

2. Bonnie and Clyde were mass murderers, thieves, killed at least 9 cops and many citizens so

'Bonnie and Clyde' is not complimentary, it means 'romantically linked young couple of criminals'.
I never see the word 'thugs' used in AP news writing to describe criminals.

[VScott]

5. They're not "thugs", because they're simple garden variety criminals.

They didn't assault, harm, injure, threaten or murder anyone.

The only aspect that makes this story even slightly newsworthy, is the couples relationship, and the girls age.

[Elmer S. E. Dump]

4. C-A-U-C-A-S-I-A-N

[ManiacJoe]

10. Becuase their behavior does not match the defintion of 'thug'.

Instead they are just two criminals on the run committing crimes as they go.

[bluestateguy]

3. Crickets from the so-called white leaders

This is an epidemic problem in the white community, and their leaders need to take that seriously.

[Yo_Mama]

6. That was inevitable. n/t

[Happyhippychick]

7. "Sweethearts"? How about "rapist and victim"????

How fucking outrageous is this, the girl is 13! He is 18!

SICK!

[dembotoz]

8. YES SHE IS 13 what the hell did he expect????????????????

maybe he can get off for just being stupid

would like to think his parents warned him.
sometimes kids just go off and do stupid
but the kid had to be told.....

damn 13

she is going to be a whole lot older than 21 when he gets a chance to look her up again...

[Xithras]

9. Penalty is 5-10 years

I got curious when I read your last sentence. Statutory rape of a child between the ages of 12 and 14 is charged as second degree rape in Kentucky and the sentences range from 5 to 10 years. When combined with the other crimes he committed, I doubt he'll be getting the minimum.