Locker Room Rape Case: Judge Postpones Decision For Fourth Teen

ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Steven Salant has delayed a ruling on whether a former Damascus High School football player accused of raping teammates with a broomstick will be tried in the juvenile court system.

The 15-year-old Clarksburg resident is one of four teens to be initially charged as an adult for an attack that took place on Oct. 31, 2018.

According to prosecutors, Kristian Jamal Lee, Will Daniel Smith, Caleb Thorpe, and Jean Claude Abedi were accused of turning off the lights, pushing or pinning down four of their teammates, and sexually assaulting them with a broom handle in a hazing ritual called "brooming." To date, Abedi is charged as an adult, while the other teens have had their cases moved from adult court to the juvenile court system. A hearing to determine whether Abedi's case will be transferred back to the juvenile court system is scheduled for Thursday morning.

Salant was originally expected to make a decision on Tuesday. He, however, said that he needed more time to review all court-related documents.

When considering whether a child charged as an adult should, once again, be tried in juvenile court, the Department of Juvenile Services must take into account the following five factors: the defendant's age, mental/physical condition, amenability to treatment, risk to public safety, and the nature of the offense. The department is responsible for analyzing a defendant's case and recommending whether it should remain in the adult court system.

Based on Abedi's age, the agency concluded that his case should be handled in juvenile court. As for his mental/physical condition, amenability to treatment, risk to public safety, and the nature of the offense, the department recommended that Abedi's case be handled in circuit court.

Randi Wortman, a clinical psychologist and the defense's first witness, evaluated Abedi for emotional or mental issues following last year's incident. While testifying, Wortman described Abedi as a kind, energetic 15-year-old boy with undiagnosed, and severe, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder — or ADHD.

The American Psychological Association characterizes ADHD as a behavioral condition that can make it challenging for people to focus on everyday tasks, get organized, and control impulsive behaviors. Someone with ADHD may also be defiant, aggressive, or socially inept.

According to Wortman, Abedi's symptoms, especially his lack of impulse control, made it difficult for him to sit still, follow directions, or know what is or isn't appropriate in social settings.

Wortman said that Abedi now takes medication and has seen an improvement in his behavior.

"I'm always looking for disorder, because that's what I do," Wortman said. "But I only saw disorder in Jean Claude, not (his) family."

Abedi's family emigrated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo during middle school. The teen lives with his mother and three sisters in Clarksburg. Abedi's father, who could not find employment in America, still lives in the DRC, according to Wortman. Despite not living with his father, Abedi speaks with his father every night, she added.

In court on Tuesday, prosecutors said Abedi has repeatedly gotten in trouble at school and outlined more than a dozen disciplinary problems that administrators have noted over the years.

Citing Montgomery County school records, prosecutors said Abedi has been suspended a total 12 times. Throughout middle school and high school, Abedi reportedly was punished for sexual harassment, physical and verbal altercations, and bullying.

According to prosecutors, the Montgomery County Public Schools system offered Abedi and his family support, such as smaller class sizes and the option to attend an alternative school. Abedi's family, they said, refused the help.

"That is a concern because being amenable to treatment means being willing to accept treatment," said the county's assistant prosecutor, Carlotta Woodward.

"Amenability is key to juvenile services. If he isn't amenable to services, then there's nothing that can be done," Woodward added.

Abedi's mother, Pacience Abedi Kalomboma, explained to the court that she felt uncomfortable while visiting the alternative school. She also said that an employee warned her not to enroll Abedi in the school.

"Jean Claude did not choose to not go to an alternative school," Abedi's defense attorney, Daniel Wright, said. "Parents make mistakes."

"I think it could be a different situation for Jean Claude had different decisions been made," he added.

This story may be updated.