Rape charges upheld against teen

A Russellville teen charged with forcibly raping a 13-year-old victim in June was indicted on rape charges by the January grand jury, officials said.

Kaden Duane Oxendine, 17, of 86 Flippen Ave. in Russellville, was indicted on charges of first-degree rape and second-degree rape, Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said.

According to Sheriff Shannon Oliver, authorities were alerted to the situation in September after the 13-year-old female victim reportedly told her parents about the incident.

Oliver said the rape is alleged to have taken place in June at a residence just outside the Russellville city limits.

Oliver said Oxendine is accused of raping the victim on the one occasion after only meeting her once.

Even though Oxendine was only 16 at the time of his arrest on Sept. 7, Alabama law states he will automatically be tried as an adult since he is charged with first-degree rape, which is a Class A felony.