Charges dropped against Liberian boy, 10, accused in gang rape of 8-year-old girl in Phoenix

Rape charges dropped against Liberian boy in Ariz.

PHOENIX — An Arizona judge has dismissed rape charges against a 10-year-old Liberian boy who was among four young refugees accused of sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl in Phoenix last year.

A Maricopa County Juvenile Court judge ruled that the boy could not understand the charges and was not mature enough to help in his defense. Judge Aimee Anderson dismissed the charges on Thursday, but the boy will remain in foster care under court supervision.

On Wednesday, a 15-year-old Liberian refugee who pleaded guilty to participating in the gang rape of the young girl was sentenced to probation.

Charges against the youngest boy, now 9, have also been dropped because he was found incompetent. A judge is awaiting a final psychological evaluation for the fourth boy, who is 13.

Information from: The Arizona Republic, www.azcentral.com