Framingham Teen Pleads Not Guilty To Rape Charge

FRAMINGHAM (CBS) -- A Framingham teen appeared in court Thursday to face a rape charge.

Patrick Cowart, 18, is accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in the woods by Framingham High School Wednesday. The two were part of a group of students who had allegedly skipped school and were consuming alcohol and drugs.

Police said the girl initially ran from high school counselors and police. According to police the girl was intoxicated and was taken to a nearby hospital.

"The defendant in this case allegedly took advantage of the victim when she was in a vulnerable state," District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a public statement.

Cowart's attorney said the encounter was consensual.

Cowart pleaded not guilty to one count of rape. He is being held on $50,000 bail and is due back in court in December.