Late yesterday, a grand jury in Steubenville, Ohio issued the first indictment since two football players at Steubenville High were adjudicated delinquent for their roles in a grisly rape last summer. A teacher at Steubenville High was formally indicted on charges that strongly indicate he was involved in a cover-up.
William Rhinaman, 53, director of technology at Steubenville High School, faces four counts: tampering with evidence, obstructing justice, obstructing official business and perjury in connection with the case, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said. Rhinaman was arrested Monday.
If convicted, he could face four years behind bars, more time than the two convicted boys will serve.
Details of the indictment, including what kind of evidence was allegedly tampered with, were not immediately available.
"This is the first indictment in an ongoing grand jury investigation," DeWine said in a prepared statement. "Our goal remains to uncover the truth, and our investigation continues."
By comparison, Malik Richmond will serve at least two years in a youth facility, while Trenton Mays will serve at least one year--though they could both be held until they turn 21.
According to Reuters, the indictment will remain sealed until later today. Judging by the charges, though, it's pretty obvious that DeWine suspects Rhinaman was involved in some kind of cover-up. And apparently it's serious enough to keep him in jail without bond pending an arraignment on Wednesday. The grand jury has been working since April to find out whether any teachers, administrators or coaches knew about the rape and failed to report it as required by Ohio law.
RSomething tells me this indictment is going to make some pretty interesting--and frightening--reading.