Victim's family in bus rape case airs their side

TAMPA -- The attorney representing a 15-year-old alleged victim of sexual assault on a school bus said Saturday that video and audio tape of the attack will prove that what happened was in no way consensual.    

Responding to comments suggesting what occurred on the bus at Pinellas County's Dixie Hollins High School may have been little more than horseplay, Paul Kimsey, a Tampa attorney representing the victim, said the girl repeatedly told the boy "leave me alone,'' and resisted his advances.

Branden Allen, an 18-year-old football player at the school was arrested Thursday on sexual battery and false imprisonment charges.

Video and audio tape will substantiate the girl's version of events, and deputies have a confession, Kimsey said.

He added that the bus driver "lets kids ride home in boxer shorts,'' and left the students alone for 25 minutes.

Pinellas Sheriff's Deputies say the bus driver left the girl, Allen and two younger teammates alone while he went to round up other students going home around 6:15 p.m. Tuesday from after-school activities.

The two younger boys, Jermeil Douse and Jacolbi Williams, stood lookout while Allen molested the girl, according to deputies. They've been charged with being principals to sexual battery and false imprisonment.

Allen's mother, Trina Allen, told Bay News 9 the incident appears to have been less serious than it has been made out to be. 

"Honestly, all of this from what he is telling me is a big misunderstanding," she said. "I think horseplaying went a little too far. I mean I think when it all came out the young lady was embarrassed so I think is why it's come as far as it has." 

"The family wants the public to know this was not a consensual act,'' he said.      

  "This is a 15-year-old freshman,'' Kimsey said. "She didn't even know this kid. She didn't even know his name.''

-- Times Staff  Writer