HERMITAGE, Pa. (AP) _ A district attorney says he's dropping rape charges against two boys after a third was acquitted in the same incident involving a 14-year-old girl at a western Pennsylvania high school.

Hermitage police had charged the boys, 14, 15, and 16, with conspiring to rape the girl Oct. 1 at Hickory High School during dismissal.

Police say the incident began as consensual sexual contact between the girl and another 14-year-old boy.

But two other boys, ages 15 and 16 became involved, and all three allegedly forced the girl to have sex.

Kochems says a juvenile court jury acquitted the 16-year-old on Thursday.

That verdict prompted him to dismiss juvenile court charges against the other two boys.

School officials say they've implemented ``additional safeguards'' to keep students safe.

___ Information from: The Herald, http://www.sharon-herald.com

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