Two US high school students found guilty of rape

WASHINGTON - Two high school football players accused of raping a 16-year-old girl last summer were found guilty by a judge in the US state of Ohio on Sunday.

Trent Mays, 17, enters court for the fourth day of his and co-defendent Ma'lik Richmond 's trial on rape charges in juvenile court March 16, 2013 in Steubenville, Ohio. Mays and Richmond are accused of raping a 16-year-old West Virginia girl in August, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Judge Thomas Lipps read out his ruling against Trent Mays, 17, and Ma'Lik Richmond, 16, after reviewing evidence presented over four days of testimony, according to local media reports.

The teens, both students and football players of Steubenville high school in Ohio, were tried as juveniles.

The victim was not present when the ruling was read.

Mays was sentenced to a minimum of two years in a juvenile correctional facility, while Richmond was given a sentence of a minimum of one year, but like Mays he could be placed in detention until he is 21.

MaysMa'lik Richmond, 16, (R) enters court for the fourth day of his and co-defendant, Trent Mays, 17, trial on rape charges in juvenile court March 16, 2013 in Steubenville, Ohio. Mays and Richmond are accused of raping a 16-year-old West Virginia girl in August, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Mays was also found guilty of disseminating nude images of a minor.

The ruling brings an end to a trial that has gained national attention for lurid text messages, cell phone pictures and videos, and social media posts surrounding the sexual abuse of the victim girl.

Mays and Richmond were accused of raping the allegedly drunk girl during heavy partying in August 2012.

Before making the announcement, the judge said many of the documents and text messages he learned during the trial were " profane" and "ugly" and the case showed alcohol "as a particular danger to our teenage youth," ABC reported.

Both Mays and Richmond showed remorse and apologized to the family of the victim in the court before they were led out to serve their terms in detention.