The Latest: Detective in players rape case claims defamation

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – The Latest on a hearing for three Tennessee high school basketball players charged with raping a teammate. (all times local):

4:45

A Tennessee detective investigating the case of three high school basketball players charged with raping a teammate has filed a $300,000 defamation claim against a prosecutor.

The claim is part of an unusually public feud between officials in Sevier County, where the attack occurred, and Hamilton County, where the players live.

Hamilton County District Attorney General Neal Pinkston has said he believes four boys were sexually assaulted, but Det. Rodney Burns, in Sevier County, is only charging rape in one case. Pinkston last month accused Burns of committing perjury when he testified about the case.

On Tuesday, Burns filed the claim, saying Pinkston's comments threatened Burns' reputation as an officer and caused him depression and anxiety.

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4:30 p.m.

A judge has rejected prosecutors' bid to have one of three Tennessee high school basketball players charged with raping a teammate transferred from juvenile to adult court.

Sevier County Judge Dwight Stokes cited the teen's lack of prior legal trouble as well as testimony and a psychological evaluation indicating the defendant was remorseful. Stokes also noted Tuesday studies that showed juveniles have a much better chance of rehabilitation if they aren't transferred to adult court.

Prosecutors described the teen, now 18 years old, as a leader in the "aggressive, pre-meditated and horrific attack."

He is one of three Ooltewah High School players facing aggravated rape charges after they allegedly assaulted a freshman teammate during a hazing incident on Dec. 22. Police say the boy required emergency surgery after they held him down and assaulted him with a pool cue at a Gatlinburg cabin while the team was participating in a holiday tournament.

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1:05 p.m.

Prosecutors want to transfer one of the three Tennessee high school basketball players charged with raping a teammate from juvenile to adult court.

Three Ooltewah high school players face aggravated rape charges. Police say the defendants assaulted a freshman teammate with a pool cue Dec. 22 in an apparent hazing incident.

All three players were charged as juveniles. One is now 18 years old, and a hearing is being held Tuesday to determine whether his case should be transferred to adult court.

Prosecutors say this defendant was a leader in the assault. They described the incident as an "aggressive, pre-meditated and horrific attack."

Jeff Stern, the defendant's lawyer, said the freshman's injuries were "completely unintentional and accidental in nature" and cited his client's lack of a juvenile record.