By Liz Oakes
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Northwest School District Superintendent Kathryn Hellweg addresses the media Thursday about two alleged rapes at Northwest High School. At left is Col. Ray Hoffbauer of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Patrol. The Cincinnati Enquirer/MICHAEL SNYDER

A 16-year-old student at Northwest High School faces two counts of rape after a girl reported she was assaulted in a basement storage room at the school, Hamilton County sheriff's officials said Thursday.

The sophomore boy, who is not being identified, was arrested at the school Wednesday on charges of raping two 14-year-old freshmen girls during school hours in separate incidents Monday and last month, police said.

The boy, who remains in custody, was arraigned in Hamilton County Juvenile Court on Thursday.

A hearing March 11 will determine if there is enough evidence to try him as an adult, a Juvenile Court official said.

Northwest Principal Greg Hester told students about the alleged rapes and sent a letter home to parents Thursday.

"I'm irate that anyone would commit these crimes anywhere, let alone at our school," said Kathryn Hellweg, Northwest Local School District superintendent, at a press conference Thursday.

"I didn't think you'd have that kind of problem in this area," said James Gegner of Colerain Township, whose son Jimmy is a sophomore at Northwest High.

Bob Singley of Colerain Township said the incidents have made him more concerned about his children, particularly his daughters Sarah, a senior, and Latoya, a freshman. Singley also has a son David, who is a junior.

Latoya and David said some students at school said they are now worried about their safety.

"I personally wasn't scared, but I'm kind of afraid for my sisters," David said.

Hellweg said the district plans to review security and access to off-limits rooms at the schools.

School district officials said they learned about the alleged rapes Tuesday afternoon when the girl told administrators she was sexually assaulted early the previous morning.

Sheriff's officials said they were told of the accusation late Tuesday by school staff.

The 14-year-old was taken for treatment to Children's Hospital, where she told investigators that the boy had allegedly raped another girl on Feb. 11, also at Northwest High during school hours, police said.

E-mail loakes@enquirer.com