By EMIL WHITIS
Daily Press Staff Writer
A 21-year-old Artesia man charged with criminal sexual penetration of a minor was bound over to district court this morning in Magistrate Court.
Richardo Franco was arrested last week for allegedly having non-consensual sex with a 13-year-old girl in early August at the Village West Apartment Complex.
Conflicting testimony today, between the victim, a witness and the known facts surrounding the incident, raised questions as to whether sexual relations were forced.
The victim and her 16-year-old friend were watching movies at the friend’s apartment on Aug. 9 when a knock came at the door. The victim allegedly answered the door and let Franco into the residence.
The witness testified she observed Franco taking the victim’s pants off, but the victim showed no sign that it was against her will.
“(She) looked at me but didn’t say anything,” said the friend. … For the rest of the story, subscribe in print and on the web.
