4 men face charges in assault on Utah teen

WEST WENDOVER, Nev. (AP) — Three West Wendover men have been arrested and charged in the alleged rape of a 16-year-old Utah girl, police said.

Gabriel Palafox, 22, Luis Alberto Escobedo, 19, and Salvador Vera, 20, were arrested on Wednesday, West Wendover Police Chief Ron Supp said.

The Elko Daily Free Press also reported on its Web site Sunday that a fourth man — 19-year-old Leonard Ramirez of Wendover, Utah — was arrested on Friday in connection with the incident.

Each has been charged with sexual assault, kidnapping and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Bail was set at $110,632 each.

The suspects allegedly gave her alcohol before the alleged attack about 3 miles west of West Wendover, Supp said. The assault was reported to police at 3 a.m. Wednesday.

Officers aren't sure how the suspects met the girl, who was visiting family in West Wendover, he said.

The victim was treated for injuries and released from a Salt Lake City hospital, Supp said.

"This is the first gang rape that's been reported in a long time," he told the Elko Daily Free Press. "The investigation is continuing and the arrest of other persons is anticipated."