Colorado soldiers accused of raping teen plead not guilty

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Two Fort Carson soldiers accused of raping a 17-year-old girl have pleaded not guilty.

The Gazette reports 20-year-old Spc. Noel Acevedo-Mercado and 19-year-old Pfc. John Donathan appeared in Colorado Springs court Monday. Their jury trial is set for Oct. 27.

The men met the teen at a party outside Colorado Springs on Oct. 4. and joined a group that followed her home afterward. According to court documents, the girl, whose mother was away, became ill after drinking and went to her bedroom. She told police the men followed her and raped her.

The soldiers told investigators the girl consented to the sex.

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