Just after two Steubenville High School student-athletes were convicted of last summer's rape of a 16-year-old girl, Ohio's attorney general requested that Jefferson County convene a grand jury for possible additional charges against other people.

Visiting Judge Thomas Lipps determined that the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Trent Mays and Ma'Lik Richmond were delinquent, the juvenile court equivalent of guilty.

The judge sentenced them both to at least one year in juvenile jail and said both can be held until they're 21. Mays was sentenced to an additional year in jail on a charge of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material, to be served after his rape sentence is completed.

Both teens were ordered to be committed to the Department of Youth Services for a minimum of one year or a maximum of until they turn age 21.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine held a press conference after court adjourned and outlined the number of state investigators on the case, how many people were interviewed and how much evidence was reviewed from cellphones.

DeWine said 16 people refused to talk to his office.

He concluded that the investigation cannot be completed without the convening of a grand jury and asked for a Jefferson County grand jury to meet on or about April 15 to determine if other crimes were committed.

He said the grand jury could meet for a number of days. He said this means indictments could be returned and additional charges could be filed. DeWine said those charges could include failure to report a felony, tampering with evidence and other charges.

DeWine said the grand jury will ensure fairness and complete the investigation.

"This community needs assurance that no stone has been left unturned in our search for the truth," DeWine said.

The teens were immediately taken into custody when court adjourned. The teens cannot have any contact with the victim until age 21, which is the longest time permitted in juvenile court.

The judge said he closely examined the evidence and re-read all of the text messages presented in the trial. He called the youths' communications profane and ugly.

After the judge announced his decision and before he handed down his sentence, Mays apologized to the victim and said the photos should not have been taken.

Richmond  also apologized and broke down in tears.

Both teens are student-athletes at Steubenville High School and both had pleaded not guilty of raping the girl on Aug. 11, 2012.

After court was adjourned, the victim's mother said her daughter is strong and will persevere. She said she hopes Mays and Richmond will make peace with God.

DeWine said he doesn't know how long the grand jury will take or who might be charged, but he wants to get the process moving as soon as possible. He said there's no limitation of what evidence his office will look at.

The attorney general said his office will also investigate another alleged rape that took place in April 2012. He would not say if investigators believe the cases are connected.

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