Mom, friends support Green Hope student accused of rape

Dominik Orlando Soto, 17, of 6608 Holly Springs Road in Raleigh, is charged with attempted rape and assault after a girl told police that he pulled her to the ground, pinned her and choked her.

Wake County Assistant District Attorney Melanie Shekita showed photos of red marks and bruises on the girl's neck in asking that Soto's bond be kept on the high end. She also asked that he be banned from contact with his alleged 18-year-old victim, who, she said, fears retaliation.

"I will tell you that she is nervous," Shekita said.

She told the court that the two knew each other from Green Hope High School, but that the girl had graduated.

Soto's mother, who says her son is innocent, and friends showed up for his hearing to show their support. He blew a kiss to his mother as he entered the courtroom.

Soto, a senior who was listed as a defensive lineman on the Falcons football team, remained in custody under a $200,000 secured bond.