Bond Set in Assault At Sleepover

An 11-year-old was sexually assaulted during a classmate's birthday party in Lansing

Bond was set at $750,000 and $500,000 on Thursday for the two men charged with sexually assaulting an 11-year-old at her classmate's birthday sleepover over the weekend.

Steven Johnson, 19, of Lansing, and Daniel Rucker, 20, of Calumet City, were charged with predatory criminal sexual assault, considered a class X felony, that took place at the Johnson residence, according to Lansing police.

Johnson's 12-year-old sister was having the birthday party, which began Saturday evening with dancing and games until late in the evening. When the girls went upstairs for bed, an adult sent the 11-year-old downstairs to get blankets.

In the basement, Johnson and Rucker sexually assaulted her, according to police.

Police found DNA from the 11-year-old on Johnson's basement mattress.
 
“As a parent, you would never think something like this would take place at a 12-year-old's birthday party," Lansing Det. Sgt. Scott Bailey said in a news release. "What happened to this young girl is horrific!”

Police took Johnson into custody on Monday. Rucker was taken into custody on Tuesday.

Police are working with counseling agencies for the 11-year-old and her family.

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