BANISHED
Teens accused of rape lose it all

Justin Goldstein, 17, was suspended from Canton High School because of rape allegations against him. He was later kicked out of Brookline High because of the charges.	LISA BÜL photos/ The Patriot Ledger
Canton teenager Justin Kessner, 17, was arraigned with Goldstein on rape charges and also was kicked out of the two schools.

By Jim Daly
The Patriot Ledger

A high school student accused of rape faces consequences even before a court decides the issue of guilt or innocence.

There is almost always an immediate suspension or expulsion from school, sports teams and other extracurricular activities.

And down the road, there may be trouble getting into college.

“I think it forever changes their life,” said John E. McDonald, a Braintree defense attorney who has represented teens accused of rape. “It affects their ability to graduate. It affects their ability to get into college.”

McDonald said the stigma of being a sex offender attaches itself to accused teens well before their cases reach trial.

Canton High School students Justin Goldstein and Justin Kesner were arraigned May 9 in Norfolk Superior Court on charges of raping a 15-year-old Canton High School girl in February.

After being suspended from Canton High School, the pair transferred to Brookline High School at the end of February. But Brookline officials found out about the rape allegations and suspended them after three days.

Braintree High School students Joseph Fratto, John J. Gould III, Steven R. Dunn and David Seckinger were suspended after rape allegations in February. They were arraigned in Norfolk Superior Court this week on charges of raping more than one 15-year-old sophomore girl.

Fratto and Gould face several charges of rape of a child with force and statutory rape. Dunn faces two counts and Seckinger one count of statutory rape.

The teens have been ordered to stay away from Braintree High School, from which they were suspended. They were also told to stay away from the girls who accused them of rape.

Earlier this month, Fratto was confined to his home after attending a Confirmation ceremony at which several of the girls he allegedly raped were present. His movements were monitored with an electronic bracelet, which has now been removed.

McDonald, the defense attorney, said a teen accused of rape is not welcome at school events like the prom and graduation.

Such events may seem trivial to adults, but are a big deal to teenagers, he said.

“If they're found not guilty two years later, it's too late to enjoy those experiences,” he said.

Jim Daly may be reached at jdaly@ledger.com.

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