In Re Howard

Walsh, Judge.

Appellant, fifteen-year-old John Howard, appeals a decision of the Butler County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division, adjudicating him delinquent by reason of having committed criminal acts which, if committed by an adult, would constitute rape and felonious sexual penetration in violation of R.C. 2907.02 and 2907.12.

In May 1996, four-year-old Katie Caudill informed her mother that her genital area was red and hurting because her brother, Bobby, “wouldn’t leave it alone.” Katie has four brothers: Bobby, who is seven years old; Josh, who is ten years old; Christopher, who is…