Two held in rapes

Published 9:51 am Monday, August 22, 2011

Two Flomaton residents have been arrested on charges of second-degree rape in connection with accusations of having sex with a 12-year-old girl.

D’Tavis Devon Ellis, 18, and Michael Dyeneil Knight Jr., 19, both of Flomaton, were indicted by an Escambia County grand jury last week following an investigation into the allegations.

Ellis reportedly turned himself into authorities last Friday and was released on $50,000 bond. Knight turned himself into authorities Tuesday and was released later on a $30,000 bond.

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According to reports, the pair is accused of having sex with the same girl on separate occasions.

Information found during an investigation in the case was reported by the mother and was turned over to authorities with the Department of Human Resources and the Child Advocacy Center.

The evidence was presented before the Escambia County grand jury during a recent session.

Reports indicate the case involved messages sent to the victim on a social network Web site.

Although school officials could not comment on the status of any student at the school, Ellis is believed to be a registered student at Flomaton High School.

School policy states that any student arrested on a felony charge will be assigned to the county alternative school.

Bond stipulations for Ellis state he shall not go onto the property of any school or attend any school events, during or after hours, except alternative school; he shall not have any social contact with any female under age 16 unless an immediate family member; and he shall have a curfew of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. unless work related or medically necessary.