Adult Suspect Pleads Not Guilty In Moreno Valley Gang Rape

RIVERSIDE (AP) — The only adult charged in the gang rape of an 11-year-old Moreno Valley girl has pleaded not guilty.

Michael Devon Sykes entered the pleas Wednesday to charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child, kidnapping to commit robbery or rape and engaging in criminal street gang activity. He also denied special-circumstance allegations.

The 19-year-old is one of at least five people charged in either adult or juvenile court for the March 10 assault on the Moreno Valley girl.

The child was walking home from school when an older girl lured her to a park bathroom, where prosecutors say seven boys attacked her.

Four have been charged in juvenile court.

Authorities have declined to say if the older girl and two other boys have been charged as juveniles.

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