A star high school soccer player has been indicted on charges of rape and sexual battery for allegedly forcing himself on two teenage girls. His attorney is urging the public to wait and hear both sides of the story before passing judgment.
The suspect, Juan Casas Vera, 18, has been indicted on two counts of rape and three counts of sexual battery. He is also named in an arrest warrant charging rape. He could face up to 12 years apiece on the rape counts and up to six years on the sexual battery counts.
According to sheriff’s investigator Jason Rowland, the incidents involved two girls, both in their late teens. The incidents were first reported to the school resource officer at Warren County High School.
“She reported to the school resource officer that Juan Casas Vera had held her down that morning and forced her against her will,” Rowland said in his warrant charging rape.
Rowland said the incident named in the warrant happened at Vera’s home on Old Beersheba Highway before school.
“The incidents all happened off campus,” Rowland confirmed, noting Vera was called in for questioning concerning the rape allegation.
“I interviewed Juan Casas Vera who admitted he had sex with the victim and that she had asked him to stop and he had failed to do so,” Rowland said.
Vera’s attorney, Larry Ross, says his client denies the claims.
“We would urge the public to not jump to conclusions and know this is only an allegation. There are two sides to every story,” Ross said. “Remember, this kid stands innocent until proven guilty. We are dealing with a high school senior. He has never been in trouble, makes good grades and is planning on attending college this fall. Most importantly, he vehemently denies this charge.”
Vera is being held under $100,000 bond at Warren County Jail and has not been with the soccer team since his arrest. He was originally charged last month with the crime but the warrant was thrown out by the court due to its wording.