Mugshot of Allaniyah Archibald. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. THOMAS — A 27-year old woman was recently arrested and charged with the rape of a 16-year old boy, court documents have revealed.
The complaint about the woman's sexual relationship with the boy was initially filed earlier this month. Last Wednesday, police made contact with the teenager and his parents so that he could tell his side of the story.
The boy told police that he began a relationship with Allaniyah Archibald about a year or so ago. They were introduced to each other as cousins, but the boy said that they quickly took a liking to each other. One day, the pair exchanged a kiss, and according to court documents, “one thing led to another.”
The 16-year old told police that he and Ms. Archibald have had sex on several occasions in various places. She used to buy him food, clothing and shoes as well, the teenager said. Their last encounter was some months ago, as the pair are no longer on speaking terms, the boy told police. He provided officers with text messages, photos and videos exchanged during their relationship.
The boy's parents were also questioned by the police. They stated that they initially had no knowledge of the inappropriate relationship. However, his mother explained that she eventually became suspicious and confronted Ms. Archibald, telling her that any relationship with the boy was unacceptable and needed to end. Ms. Archibald, 27, denied the accusation. The boy's father added that when his wife first raised the concern, he warned his son to cease any involvement he might have had with Ms. Archibald.
When questioned by police last Friday, Ms. Archibald initially denied the allegations before reportedly admitting that she and the minor child have had sex on several occasions. The relationship began when he was 13 years old, she admitted, but said she was told that he was older. Ms. Archibald reportedly professed not to know about the laws prohibiting intimate relationships between close relatives.
She was arrested and charged with second-degree rape, aggravated second-degree rape, and second-degree unlawful sexual contact, all as crimes of domestic violence. She was also charged with incest and child abuse, and remanded into custody to await her advice of rights hearing.
As of press time, there is no information on the public court docket to indicate whether Ms. Archibald's scheduled court appearance has taken place.
