The U.S. Justice Department is getting involved in a Jefferson County teen rape investigation, and the White House will review a petition requesting federal intervention.

A Justice Department official told NEWS9 on Monday the federal law enforcement agency is playing a "supporting role" in the closely watched investigation.

The Ohio Attorney General's Office is leading the case, but the Justice Department is helping. A former federal law enforcement official said federal agencies have many investigative resources and perhaps manpower and equipment that Ohio doesn't have.

The former official further said it's also likely the FBI intervened in the case. In addition, if computer hacking is involved in a case, that is federal jurisdiction.

Also on Monday, a petition asking federal officials to intervene in a Steubenville teen rape investigation has garnered 25,000 signatures, which means, according to a White House spokesman, "appropriate policy staff" will review the petition and respond to it.

The petition had 5,000 when NEWS9 first reported on it Friday night, and it reached 25,000 signatures by late Monday morning. It doesn't specify exactly how the White House should move the case to a different court, but the petition indicates that local police cannot be trusted to be fair.

Stay with NEWS9, WTOV9.com and WTOV9 Mobile for continuing coverage.