Three Brooklyn boys are facing attempted rape, attempted sex abuse, robbery and other charges in an alleged attack of a 12-year-old girl inside their school last week, police say.
Police say the boys, ages 12 and 14, took the girl into a stairwell in the basement of Mott Hall IV Middle School in Brownsville last Thursday, lowered her pants and sexually assaulted, then robbed her.
The teens, who are being charged as juveniles on attempted rape, attempted sex abuse, attempted criminal sexual act, robbery, grand larceny and unlawful imprisonment charges, were taken to family court.
Police initially said the boys were facing rape, sex abuse and criminal sex act charges but later clarified the charges.
The attack was caught on surveillance cameras inside the school building, a source said. The principal called police, and two of the boys, ages 12 and 14, were arrested Thursday. Another 12-year-old boy was arrested Monday.
Parents picking up their children from school Tuesday were horrified to learn of the attack.
"Why didn't all the other parents know about this?" said Paula Sagon. "We don't need to know who it is, but what's going on?"
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"Oh my goodness, I can't believe that," another parent said. "That's devastating to a lot of mothers right now."
Another stunned mother told NBC 4: "I hope what you're saying didn't happen."
"Where's the security? Aren't they supposed to walk around and check?" said Juliet Saunders.
Toya Holness, a spokeswoman for the Department of Education, said in a statement, "We are working closely with the NYPD as they conduct an investigation, and are providing the school and families with ongoing support. Nothing is more important than the safety of all students and staff."
