Tuesday, 15 March 2022

Trio jailed for rape of mostly unconscious 14-year-old girl — recorded on video because 'it was funny' — given probation

 Three men jailed in connection with the rape of a 14-year-old Utah girl who drifted in and out of consciousness during the act — and that was recorded on video because one of the culprits thought "it was funny" — have been given probation.

What are the details?

Richard Djassera, 26, Dodjim Leclair, 29, and Nasouh Albasis-Albasis, 24, were jailed in September 2017 after they each were charged with with two counts of aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree felony, KSL-TV reported. Djassera also was charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony, the station said.

The station said the 14-year-old victim sneaked out of a sleepover to meet with the three men, who took her to parties where she got drunk, and then two of them raped her while she drifted in and out of consciousness in a car. Djassera admitted to recording the rape on video because he “thought it was funny," KTVX-TV reported.

An early KSL report noted that police in West Jordan said voices can be heard on video "encouraging the assault." Investigators wrote in court documents that "at no time in the video does [the girl] appear capable of giving consent, given her obvious level of impairment," the station added.

Third District Judge Douglas Hogan on Wednesday sentenced the trio to between one and 15 years in prison but suspended the sentences for 48 months of probation, KSL said.

The reduced sentences were part of plea deals, the station said, adding that Djassera pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony, after attorneys argued there was no evidence he engaged in sex with the victim. Leclair and Albasis pleaded guilty to a reduced count of rape, a second-degree felony, the KSL added.

All three were ordered released from jail, but Djassera and Leclair will be under the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to address their immigration statuses, the station said, adding that a June hearing was set to address restitution and probation.

Salt Lake County deputy district attorney Samuel Sutton told KSL prosecutors worked closely with the victim, adding that she supported the plea bargains. Sutton also told the station that there was no evidence of any force or coercion but added the girl was too intoxicated to give consent.

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