By LANCE MARTIN

rrspin.com

GARYSBURG – Three Garysburg teens were charged Friday in the rape of a 13-year-old girl that occurred on Tuesday of last week.

Garysburg Police Chief Melvin Garner confirmed the teens — Jamison Lee, 17, Melquan Ransom, 17, and Tyronte Ponton, 19 — took turns sexually assaulting the girl.

He said the three teens entered the residence when the victim was alone.

Investigation of the case, which included assistance from the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office and the police departments of Seaboard, Gaston and Roanoke Rapids, began when Garysburg was alerted by Halifax Regional Medical Center that a juvenile was with her parents reporting rape.

The call came from a triage nurse. Garner spoke with the victim and her mother.

Investigation led to the three teens being identified and warrants were obtained for their arrests on charges of first-degree rape, first-degree burglary and second-degree kidnapping of a minor.

Garner said the charge of first-degree rape reflects the sexual assault was forcible although there is no evidence a weapon was used.

Lee was captured near a residence on Popular Street, after a brief chase. Ransom and Ponton were arrested without incident.

Damien Turner, who was with the group at the time they were arrested, was charged with resisting, delaying and obstructing justice for failing to comply with the demands of officers. He was given a written promise to appear in court on March 17.

Garner said there was no evidence to suggest he took part in the rape.

Lee, Ransom and Ponton were jailed on a total of $650,000 secured bonds each — $500,000 for first-degree rape; $100,000 for first-degree burglary and $50,000 for second-degree kidnapping. They were assigned March 17 court dates.

Garner said in a statement the assistance from the various agencies was valuable in the case.

“They all were just a phone call away. When agencies work together you can accomplish a lot. Today was very successful and we will continue to do more in the near future,” Garner said.

(Lance Martin is the Editor and Publisher of www.rrspin.com. This story is reprinted with his permission.)