Steubenville Rape Case: Ohio judge won't relocate football players' rape trial

(AP) STEUBENVILLE, Ohio - A judge has ruled to keep the upcoming rape trial of two Ohio high school football players in the county were the alleged attack happened.

Judge Thomas Lipps on Wednesday sided with prosecutors who didn't want the case moved out of Jefferson County in eastern Ohio. He rejected arguments by attorneys for the two defendants that moving it would cut down on witness intimidation and harassment.

The defense lawyers say that some potential witnesses have been threatened and that a county with a bigger courthouse would help protect such witnesses.

The judge also ruled that the trial will now start on March 13 and that it should be open to the public.

The football players are accused of attacking the girl twice after an alcohol-fueled party in mid-August 2012 in Steubenville.

Complete coverage of the Steubenville Rape Case on Crimesider