Two men charged with a University-area rape and burglary that occurred more than one month ago were arraigned Tuesday in Hennepin County District Court.
Both Antonio D. Burton, 20, and Puiassance J. Andersen, 20, appeared before Judge Myron Greenberg. Both men said they understood the charges against them and requested public attorneys.
James Krieger was appointed public defender for both Andersen and Burton.
Hennepin County officials have been waiting weeks to arraign the two men on the Oct. 8 charges.
Andersen and Burton were arrested in Eau Claire, Wis., the day after the incident. Driving a car stolen from one of the burglary victims, the two led police on a high-speed chase, finally crashing into a semi-tractor.
Wisconsin police linked the men to the University-area crime when they learned that the car Burton and Andersen were driving was reported stolen.
The men were charged in Wisconsin with several crimes, including driving a stolen car and eluding police.
Because Burton and Andersen were first arrested and charged in Wisconsin, Minnesota officials had to wait until the men waived their extradition rights to bring them to Hennepin County court. Both men were extradited Friday to Minnesota.
Burton and Anderson will return to court Nov. 22 for a pretrial conference. At that hearing, attorneys will present possible evidence to be used during their trials.
— Kamariea Forcier