STEUBENVILLE (AP) - A computer expert began testifying today about her analysis of cellphones seized in the investigation of two Ohio high school football players charged with raping a 16-year-old West Virginia girl.
The evidence about 17 cellphones to be presented by computer forensic specialist Joann Gibb is considered crucial to prosecutors' case against the boys because of photos taken the evening of the alleged attack in August.
Gibb was expected to be on the stand for several hours at the trial in Steubenville.
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AP
Trent Mays, 17, left, and 16-year-old Maálik Richmond sit at the defense table before the start of their trial on rape charges in juvenile court on Wednesday in Steubenville. Mays and Richmond are accused of raping a 16-year-old West Virginia girl last August 2012
Earlier today, police officers and witnesses from phone service providers testified about how the phones were gathered through search warrants and the types of records subpoenaed from the phone companies.
The football players' trial began Wednesday as a contest between prosecutors insisting the girl was too drunk to consent to sex and defense attorneys portraying her as someone who was intoxicated but still in control of her actions.
The two players, Trent Mays and Ma'Lik Richmond, maintain their innocence.
Special Judge Thomas Lipps is hearing the case without a jury