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Published: 2012-06-12 11:04:22
Updated: 2012-06-12 11:04:22

Posted: June 12, 2012

Smithfield teen accused of trying to rape woman

Craig Gartrell Groves

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Craig Gartrell Groves
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Smithfield, N.C. — A Smithfield teen has been accused of attacking and trying to rape a woman who lives near him on Friday afternoon.

A man wearing all black and a mask broke into the woman's home, held her down and tried to rape her, authorities said. She struggled with her attacker, and when his mask fell off, he fled.

Paramedics treated the woman for a bite mark and scratches.

Johnston County sheriff's deputies arrested Craig Gartrell Groves, 18, a short time later in woods behind his home on N.C. Highway 210. He was charged with attempted first-degree rape and breaking and entering. He was placed in the Johnston County jail under a $150,000 bond.

School officials said Groves was a senior at South Campus Community High School in Smithfield and used to attend West Johnston High School.

Groves was placed on probation in April for a second-degree trespassing conviction stemming from a January incident, according to state Division of Adult Correction records.

  • Web Editor: Anne Johnson
Copyright 2012 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

27 Comments


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You can see the details of our youth facilities at http://www.doc.state.nc.us/dop/prisons/western.htm and http://www.doc.state.nc.us/dop/prisons/morrison.htm

Prison is not the same as a detention center for juveniles. Maybe that is what you were thinking of.
Click to view my profile loveapex
June 13, 2012 9:06 a.m.
cpmccols - you are correct that he will be charged as an adult. I work in the prison system. He will absolutely be in a youth facility until, at least, his 21st birthday. Promise!
Click to view my profile loveapex
June 13, 2012 8:58 a.m.
loveapex. Actually, he will go to adult prison. North Carolina and New York are the only two states where those 16 and over are considered adults, as opposed to 18 and older. Regardless, being 18 classifies him as an adult and he will be charged as such.
cpmccols
June 12, 2012 7:18 p.m.
SOMNEY- What people don't realize is that North Carolina Spends More per Execution than on a Non-death Penalty Murder Case

The most comprehensive death penalty study in the country found that the death penalty costs North Carolina $2.16 million more per execution than the a non-death penalty murder case with a sentence of life imprisonment
Click to view my profile PeaceRH
June 12, 2012 7:15 p.m.
Thankfully, he should get some time for this one. He broke probation (one offense) and the attempted rape (second offense and a violent one). Not sure if there will be more. Unsure of his age, but under 21. So, he will go to a youth facility until that time.
Click to view my profile loveapex
June 12, 2012 6:03 p.m.
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