The Selma Times-Journal

Judge Marvin Wiggins denied the state’s request to increase the bond for four men suspected of raping a Selma woman.

Prosecutors in the case, John Oxford and Carmello Penn, requested the bond for Jarvis Wormley, Demario Benjamin, Sheldrick Effinger and Donta Allen be set at $250,000.

It was the second request for a bond increase made in the case.

The four men, all 20-year-old Selma residents, are accused of raping an 18-year-old Selma woman at Bloch Park on Saturday, June 4.

Reports at the time stated that suspects driving a green sport utility vehicle attacked the victim at about 1:30 a.m.

The victim was transported to the hospital by her mother, reports show.

All four suspects were arrested later that morning, at about 9 a.m.

Bond was set within state suggested ranges at $20,000 each.

Three of the suspects made bond by 2 p.m. that day. Another suspect was held on a probation violation, but was later released.

Because the defendants waived their rights to a First Call hearing and a Preliminary Hearing, the district attorney’s office didn’t have a chance to ask for a bond increase at the traditional times, officials said.

An emergency bond hearing was scheduled in District Court. Judge Bob Armstrong declined to hear the requests on the grounds that it may complicate the case in the future.