Woman accused of broadcasting rape of a friend for 'likes' on social media

An Ohio woman accused of broadcasting the rape of her 17-year-old friend with a social media app was trying to record the assault as evidence, the woman’s attorney said in a defence a prosecutor flatly dismissed.

The accused got caught up in collecting ‘likes’ on social media, said prosecutors.

Marina Lonina, 18, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including rape, kidnapping, sexual battery, and pandering sexual matter involving a minor.

A judge set bail at $125,000 for Ms Lonina, a student at New Albany High School, outside Columbus.

Raymond Gates, 29, also pleaded not guilty, with a judge setting his bail at $300,000.

Ms Lonina and her friend — who attends the same school — met Mr Gates at a mall for the first time the day before where he bought them a bottle of vodka and encouraged them to meet him the following day, her lawyer Sam Shamansky said.

He acknowledged his client filmed the assault but said she was trying to get the girl out of the house.

It was a friend in another state who saw the broadcast and called police.

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said Ms Lonina is seen trying to help only briefly during the 10-minute video. The victim was screaming “stop” and “no” during the assault.

Ms Lonina told police she was trying to record the assault as evidence.