I have lived across the street from Zach since the 4th grade, and all of this is new to me. My parents called to tell me about it, but it seems they held it private for a long time. I texted him on sunday and never heard from him again, so I'm just trying to get the timeframe of this whole devestating thing. This girl is ruining not only her own families life, but the Higgins and my prayers go out to them. Everything will work out, God will take control. The whole story sounds very fishy, it doesn't make sense. If some guy was trying to get me to preform oral sex against my will, I would def bite or hit or something. Mr. Ed, Ms. Laura, and Emma, your neighbors are behind you and always will be!

this is a really {{{{{{{{EDITED & WARNED for language}}}}}}} case i have know him for years not the best of friends but i do know that he is one of the nicest guys i know. I know he could never do this. I know that girls have to many right just to say some one did some thing to them and the guy never did. he still goes to jail even if there is no proof. How does that even work! this world we live in really doesn't mean any thing in cases like this. yes if this happened to me i would try and fight it but im sure that wouldn't help seeing that the town that this happen in has noting better going on.

Why would she wait so long to go to the police? See, that is what I dislike about these rape victims. They should always go to the police right away. That way they can get DNA samples easier. I know the do the same thing. They also sleep with a lot of men, so it would be harder to tell.

The police should have a proper investigation on this. Judgment should be fair.
Home Security

I have known Zach for about eight years, and I must say that I do not believe these accusations. Rape is an act of violence, and though his judgement may not be perfect I have never known Zach to be violent in any way. It seems awfully strange that this girl waited so long to come forward. Speaking of which, going to high school with Zach I recall some of the promiscous and trashy vultures he sometimes hung out with, and therefore I would have no difficulty believing that these accusations are fiction created from an old grudge most likely for the girl's own attention.

I have known Zach since we were 5 years old. There is no way that this is true, not only because I know his character, but because the alleged "victim" has no proof and waited over two years to come forward with her story. The fact that he was put in jail without proof tells me that there is huge problem with our legal system in this town, and you better believe there will be problems when he goes to trial. His bail being set at $100,000 is absolutely outrageous. He does not deserve this, and this incident is going to follow him for the rest of his life. The Police Department in Tyrone should be ashamed of themselves and this is the most ridiculous thing I have heard. We should all stand behind Zach and support him, as we know he would not, and did not, rape anyone.

I would like to say that living in this community, you learn a lot about people's character. And I know both people involved, like most. I am a dear friend of the accused' family and he may have made some mistakes in the past, but deep down he is a good guy that not only loves his faith, but loves his family.
Never have I been in their situation, but I feel just awful for Zack. Rumors, lying, and gossip are a typical adolescent characteristic, but when they involve the law and a life long reputation it goes to far. The fact that she not only took almost 3 years to report it and longed for him as a boyfriend but was denied is just the beginning. After being rejected, she began dating one of his close friends, well not any more. The alleged victim is not unintelligent by any means, but this makes me wonder.
Zack may never bounce back from this. His job, his friends, and anyone who has read this story may never forget the thought that he was even accused of this crime. I know deep down that he is innocent, but making a judge or jury believe it is another thing.

If this girl wants to cry rape, she better atleast have evidence to back up her story. It appears that she does not, so I do not believe her in anyway possible and lost all respect for this alleged female.
I know Zach, and I've known him since I was a freshman in high school. This is not something he would do. This is out of the ordinary and not to mention extremely random considering the fact that this happend in 2005. Free Zach!

they were both minors, had concentual sex, she wanted a relationship, he didn't, now she's crying rape. Happens everyday. The parents should both be "Bitch Slapped" for letting this go forward...

I know Zach and I dated him in high School. This is the biggest load of crap I have EVER heard. He was such a sweet first boyfriend and knew that no meant no. I happen to know the girl involved too and she is not the kind of person to say no to sex. I know with every fiber of my being this is crap and she is taking away the true importance of rape claims. It sounds like a classic case of Mommy found out I have sex but its not my fault, he raped me. I wish that the Citizen didn't even post this. It is only going to hurt his reputation and his family's. Im mad!!

What is the statute of limitations on a crime like this???

This had better be really good....but it sounds like he dumped her and now she wants revenge.

In all seriousness would anyone wait that long to report a rape? All of the evidence is gone.....it is a serious crime...that should have been reported immediatly.

I just hope they had a pre-issuance hearing before just arresting this guy and publishing this. It appears this young man was 17 at the time....strange set of facts on the surface.

I believe the victem should be charged with failing to report a crime and her name printed in the paper.How can a person defend themselves for an alleged crime that happened 2 1/2 years ago.Great Police work Tyrone.