(Update) Rockville High School Rape Suspects In Country Illegally: Authorities

(Updated at 5 p.m. Tuesday) ROCKVILLE, MD — The two teenagers charged with raping a 14-year-old girl in a boys' restroom at Rockville High School during school hours last week may be undocumented immigrants with no previous police problems locally, says the county executive. The suspects have outstanding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement orders, said Ike Leggett, and the county will cooperate fully with federal officials to see that the two are deported after serving prison time for what he called a heinous act.

Police are working to ensure schools are secure in the wake of the attack. Detectives have charged two Rockville High School students — Jose O. Montano, 17, of an unconfirmed address, and Henry E. Sanchez Milian, 18, of Bel Pre Road in the Aspen Hill area — with the rape of a female Rockville High School student. Montano has been charged as an adult.

Sanchez Milian is originally from Guatemala and was attending the high school as a ninth-grader, reports WTOP. Court records say Sanchez Milian arrived in Montgomery County seven months ago after having been questioned in Texas by border patrol agents in Texas and issued a notice to appear in front of an immigration judge.

Gov. Larry Hogan weighed in on the topic Monday night when he condemned the Maryland House of Delegates for passing what he called "an outrageously irresponsible bill that will make Maryland a sanctuary state and endanger our citizens." Hogan vowed to veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.

On WBAL Radio Tuesday, Hogan said, "This was a brutal and violent rape of a 14-year-old girl in a school in Montgomery County and there are so many unanswered questions. How was an 18-year-old who was already picked up for crossing the border illegally apparently able to be in class with a 14-year-old girl?"

While Maryland agencies generally follow 48-hour detainers issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Montgomery County is one of three jurisdictions named in an ICE report this week for having declined an immigration detained, he said.

But in January county officials told Patch that some Maryland residents callMontgomery County a "sanctuary" jurisdiction, it is not one. County Director of Public Information Patrick Lacefield said county arrest and detention information goes to the state and the information is accessed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.

"Montgomery County is not a sanctuary. We do cooperate with ICE, we honor ICE criminal detailers and some civil detainers if they’re coming from a judge. We tell ICE when people they are interested in are being released from facilities," Lacefield told Patch on Jan. 26, 2017.

Leggett said Monday he was "immediately sick and disgusted when it was reported that two young men raped a 14-year-old student at Rockville High School last Thursday. This should not happen. Period. My deepest condolences go out to this young girl and her family."

The arrest of two fellow students in the attack are on allegations that are "horrible and unacceptable," said the head of Montgomery County Public Schools. "They do not represent the positive values of our students and school communities. Our thoughts are with the student who reported the incident and her family," Superintendent Jack Smith said Sunday in a letter to parents.

In an open letter on the school's website, Smith said school officials cannot share more information about the reported rape at this point, but he believes Montgomery County Police will release more details in coming weeks.

He said student safety is the school system’s top priority “and a responsibility that we do not take lightly.”

»Find the full text of Superintendent Jack Smith's letter to parents below, along with a note from Rockville High School's principal.

The incident began about 9 a.m. Thursday, March 16, when the girl was walking in a school hallway and she met Montano and Sanchez. According to police, Montano asked the victim to walk with him and Sanchez. Montano asked the victim to engage in sexual intercourse, and she refused.

According to the police report, Montano again asked the victim for sex, then forced her into a boys’ bathroom and then into a stall. Montano and Sanchez both raped the girl inside the bathroom stall, authorities charge.

In a letter to parents, Montgomery County Public Schools said, “Ensuring a safe, secure and welcoming learning environment for all of our students is our top priority. Our staff remains vigilant in the monitoring of our school each and every day. Please remind your child that if they believe they are a victim of an assault or see something inappropriate, they should immediately tell a staff member.”

Montano and Sanchez were arrested on school property and charged with first-degree rape and two counts of first-degree sexual offense.

Full text of Superintendent Jack Smith's letter:

Dear Community:
As you may have heard or read, a serious incident occurred at Rockville High School on March 16, 2017. The incident involves allegations of rape and the arrest of two students. I am deeply troubled by these allegations. The allegations presented in the charging documents are horrible and unacceptable. They do not represent the positive values of our students and school communities. Our thoughts are with the student who reported the incident and her family. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is committed to supporting them through these difficult times.

Please know that our school staff immediately contacted the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) once they were informed about the alleged sexual assault. MCPS continues to fully cooperate with MCPD and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office on this matter.

Rockville High School staff, with the support of the MCPS administration, are working closely with the students and the school community to address concerns, provide support, and review security measures.
I know community members have many questions about this serious incident. To ensure we do not unintentionally prejudice an ongoing investigation, MCPS cannot provide any additional details about this specific case at this time. However, we believe more information about this incident will be made available by law enforcement in the coming weeks.

The safety and security of every student in our district is our top priority and a responsibility that we do not take lightly. We have and will continue to work every day to ensure our schools are safe places to learn.
Sincerely,
Jack R. Smith, Superintendent of Schools

Full text of Principal Billie-Jean Bensen's letter:

Dear Parents and Guardians:
I am writing to inform you about a serious incident that occurred at our school yesterday, March 16, 2017, and share with you how it is being addressed.

It was reported to administration that a student was sexually assaulted by two students in a restroom. We immediately contacted the Montgomery County Police Department. The police conducted an investigation and subsequently executed arrests on school property of the alleged assailants. I am unable to share further details at this time as this is an ongoing police investigation.

Ensuring a safe, secure and welcoming learning environment for all of our students is our top priority. Our staff remains vigilant in the monitoring of our school each and every day. Please remind your child that if they believe they are a victim of an assault or see something inappropriate, they should immediately tell a staff member.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel to contact me at 301-517-8105.

Sincerely,
Billie-Jean Bensen
Principal, Rockville High School

»Photo via Shutterstock