Lawyer: Girl, family wanted Steubenville rape case pursued

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The lawyer for a 16-year-old girl raped by two Ohio high school football players is disputing a prosecutor’s account that the girl’s father initially wanted the investigation dropped.

Attorney Bob Fitzsimmons says the family was taking time to consider the effects of an investigation on their daughter, including the possibility of her testifying.

Fitzsimmons, of Wheeling, W.Va., says the family cooperated with police throughout.

The two boys were found guilty last month. The case had been furiously debated online and led to allegations of a cover-up to protect the Steubenville High team.

Jefferson County Prosecutor Jane Hanlin on Wednesday stood by her remarks earlier this week that the family did not want to move forward initially.

She says hesitation by sexual assault victims and their families is common and understandable.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.