72° CLOUDY, Athlete charged with rape
Last Modified: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 11:42 p.m.
A Florence High School basketball player has been arrested on a rape charge for an incident that reportedly took place just before he played in a game Monday night.
Jarrel Hollingsworth, 18, of North Orleans Street, Florence, has been charged with second-degree rape, according to Florence police. The charge is a Class B felony that carries a punishment of up to 20 years in prison, if convicted.
Florence detective Sgt. Rolando Bogran said Hollingsworth was taken into custody at 10:45 p.m. Monday.
Hollingsworth is accused of having sex with a 14-year-old girl. Authorities said the girl told them the incident took place on the steps adjacent to the south end of the football stadium's upper deck on the Florence Freshman Center campus between 6:15-6:30 p.m., before Hollingsworth played in Monday's game.
Investigators said Hollingsworth and the girl met somewhere on campus before ending up at the steps adjacent to the stadium.
Bogran said accounts about the incident are conflicting between Hollingsworth and the girl.
"We believe we know what happened, but we need to talk with some other students who may have been in the area prior to the incident taking place," Bogran said.
He said authorities were notified around 7:30 p.m.
"Our first concern was the victim, and she was taken to the hospital where she was examined and then released," Bogran said.
He said the girl was "doing as well as could be expected under the circumstances."
In addition to basketball, Hollingsworth played linebacker and running back on the football team and was one of the team's leading tacklers. He was a starter on the basketball team and was one of the team's leading scorers.
Florence Superintendent Kendy Behrends said Hollingsworth has been suspended from school for 10 days and once he returns, he will be referred to the system's alternative school until the case runs its course. She said he will not be allowed to participate in sports or other schools activities pending the outcome of the case.
Hollingsworth is out on bail totaling $5,000.
Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.
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Comments
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December 12, 2007 5:18:05 am
RE: http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20...12120315/1011/NEWS01
You would think your Kids could go to a basketball game and not end up having sex whether forced or consentual outside the building ON SCHOOL GROUNDS. Something is wrong with this picture.
Parents that are allowing their children to go to these events expect them to be safe. Personally I will not let my daughters attend any school function before the age of 16 without a parent. No dating before the age of 16 either. Our children are in school to LEARN not to meet their future spouse or make lifelong friends or attend supposed social events. They have plenty of time for that.
December 12, 2007 6:08:06 am
I agree, bullit.
And when you do let them date, they need to go in pairs or better yet, groups. Know where they are and have them check in with you regularly. And ALWAYS meet their date. If you are married, meeting Daddy is even better. The boy needs to see your face and know that you know him. Yes, this is intimidating and I have a son. I expect his date's parents to do the same. He'll live and it's worth it.
December 12, 2007 6:39:21 am
A relative of mine followed their kids every where for a few years. One of their kids saw them peeping in the door at a ball game in Belgreen one time and it ticked him off. LOL !!!!!!!!!!
They participated in some of the activities with them too just trying to keep it a smooth relationship.
The good news is I reckon it worked they are both studying , one to be a dentisth other a doctor's nurse.
December 12, 2007 7:05:36 am
Why 16? Is that the magical age where bad things don't happen anymore?
Natalee Holloway was 17 when she was killed or whatever happened.
Stuff happens to 16 year olds just like it does 30 year olds.
December 12, 2007 7:14:11 am
that was no rape she just said that because everybody found out and she didnt wanna give herself a bad name that is said let him out its not just him its here
December 12, 2007 7:31:27 am
I think at 18 even consensual sex with a 14 year old is statutory rape isn't it?
Also I'm just curious is there a racial component to the story?
December 12, 2007 7:45:48 am
This post has me curious,how many on here know for a FACT their teens are not having sex? No opnions, nor any of that "they told me they don't",,how many can say it for a proven fact?
December 12, 2007 8:00:55 am
And you know this - HOW????
Were you watching????
Otherwise, you know as much about it as the rest of us, which is what was printed in the paper.
December 12, 2007 8:06:46 am
The only person I'm sure isn't having sex is the guy that married my ex.
December 12, 2007 8:07:35 am
Everyone has their own opinion about what happens... It is really sad because sometimes a person will let someone else take the blame for both their actions. Not saying that is what happened here but IT DOES HAPPEN!
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