WARREN Woman accused of raping baby

If convicted of rape, the 18-year-old woman could face 10 years to life in prison.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- An 18-year-old Youngstown woman was being held in the Trumbull County Jail today under $100,000 bond on a charge of rape.
Nicole Harris of Thalia Avenue was arrested Tuesday evening.
Detective Jeff Cole said this morning Harris is accused of having sexual contact with a 1-year-old boy.
She pleaded innocent at arraignment late this morning in Warren Municipal Court. Judge Thomas Gysegem was to set a date later today for her preliminary hearing.
At the preliminary hearing, Judge Gysegem is to decide if there is enough evidence to have Harris' case sent to the Trumbull County grand jury for possible indictment.
If convicted of rape, Harris could face 10 years to life in prison.
Allegations: Police said they were told that Harris had sexual contact with the baby on several occasions.
"She was baby-sitting for the child's mother," Cole said.
Cole said Harris was staying at the Belmont N.W. home with the baby and his mother for a few weeks. Harris dropped out of high school, he added.
"The mother is trying to work and go to school and she thought that Ms. Harris would be able to help her out with baby-sitting," Cole said.
He said Harris talked to police Tuesday. He declined to say what she said.
Cole and Police Chief John Mandopoulos said they cannot remember the last time a woman was accused of rape.
"It does happen, but it is unusual," Mandopoulos said.
sinkovich@vindy.com