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Lakeland High student charged in rape of fellow student

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By JENNIFER LEIGH

jleigh@wfla.com

Published: October 2, 2009

Updated: 10/02/2009 04:34 pm

A 16-year-old Lakeland High School football player today was accused of raping a fellow student as the pair walked to school Thursday morning.

Devante Atmore was charged with sexual battery just after midnight, an arrest affidavit states.

Atmore suggested to the victim that they step off the sidewalk into a secluded area in the 400 block of Francis Boulevard, the affidavit states.

Police said the two had an ongoing relationship and the girl, whose age was not released, told investigators she had kissed Atmore in the past.

Off the sidewalk, he began kissing her, and when she began to resist, he overpowered her and raped her, Lakeland police said.

The incident occurred within a tenth of a mile of the school. Afterward the girl walked to school and told authorities of what had happened.

"The suspect admitted he knew the victim did not want to have sex with him, but he forced himself upon her anyway," an investigator wrote in the affidavit.

The affidavit noted Atmore is cooperating with authorities.

"It's scary," said Sarah Watson, who lives in the neighborhood where police say the attack took place. "I've got a 5-year-old granddaughter next door, and a 20-year-old daughter and an 18-year-old daughter."

Atmore is being held at the Juvenile Assessment Center in Bartow. It is unclear when he will have his first court appearance.

Atmore, a sophomore, is a running back on the school's varsity football team.

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