14-year-old admits rape of classmate

MERIDIAN, Idaho – A 14-year-old Meridian boy has pleaded guilty to taking part in the sexual assault of a high school classmate during a house party in March.

Nathan Whitney, who was charged as an adult in the case, is one of several defendants that police say skipped school that day, drank alcohol, then raped a female classmate after she passed out.

In a plea agreement, Whitney admitted to having intercourse with the 14-year-old girl in exchange for prosecutors recommending a sentence that could allow him to avoid time in adult prison.

Prosecutors with the Idaho attorney general’s office say they will recommend a blended sentence that would keep Whitney in state juvenile custody until 21 and a possible 10-year adult term that would be put on hold.

Earlier this month, prosecutors dropped adult rape charges against co-defendant Ramon Baeza, 14, after a judge suppressed statements he gave in a police interview.

Baeza is scheduled to appear in juvenile court Monday for a hearing on undisclosed charges in the case.