Maryland 18-year-old guilty of rape in high school hall

SALISBURY, Md., Oct. 22 (UPI) -- An 18-year-old has been convicted of raping another student in a high school hallway on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Jurors weighed the charges for about 90 minutes Tuesday before finding Jocon Scarborough of Delmar guilty of five counts of rape and other charges, including false imprisonment and assault. No sentencing date was set.

The 15-year-old victim testified Monday that Scarborough forced himself on her on May 5 at Parkside High School in Wicomico County.

During closing arguments, Scarborough's lawyer, Eddie Gonzalez, told the jury that the evidence against his client was thin. He pointed to the lack of physical injury and said there was no evidence the girl screamed for help or showed signs of being upset after the attack.

Assistant State's Attorney Karen Dean said Scarborough's DNA was found on the victim and that she testified she did not consent to sex. She acknowledged the victim's testimony was the only evidence of rape.

"She said no," Dean said. "She said no several times."

The girl said on the witness stand that Scarborough told her she was going to have his child. Scarborough did not testify during the short trial.

Scarborough also faces a gun charge. Police said they found the weapon during a search of his home.