Ohio Woman Guilty of Raping Boy, 12

(Lebanon, Ohio) A 20-year-old local woman, Jennifer Whitson, was convicted by a jury of committing sex crimes against a 12-year-old boy in July 2006. The Butler County jury deliberated less than 30 minutes prior to finding Whitson guilty of rape and gross sexual imposition.

According to Prosecutor Robin Piper, the boy was visiting a friend when Whitson, a relative of the boy's friend, commenced being naughty with the boy.

"He and his friend were playing video games and stuff, and at some point in time the 20-year-old and 12-year-old were alone and she made these overtures and one thing led to another," Piper said.

Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Muench-McElfresh stated that both the victim and Whitson testified during the two-day trial with Whitson admitting to fellatio and masturbation with the victim.

Sentencing by Common Pleas Judge Noah Powers is scheduled for November 6th. According to Piper, prison time is mandatory but the judge doesn't have to impose the full possible 15 years for the offense.


[Update 11/07/07]

Whitson sentenced.