Four boys accused of raping an eight-year-old girl in Phoenix have been formally charged.

Three of the boys, ages nine to 13, will be charged as juveniles. The oldest boy, a 14-year-old, will be tried as an adult.

Steven Tuopeh made his first court appearance this week, to face charges of kidnapping and sexual assault. Prosecutors say he not only participated in but initiated the sexual assault of the little girl.

"The defendant was the person who gathered people together, bribed the individual who committed much of the assault and held the victim down while she was sexually assaulted," the prosecutor said.

Tuopeh and his family are Liberian refugees, and they've been in the United States since 2005. His family is worried.

"Whether he did it or not, he does not understand the people he's talking to," said his mother.

Tuopeh did not speak when asked if he had anything to say, after he was held on no bond.

Authorities say the girl's family, also Liberian, is blaming her and accuses her of bringing shame to the family.

The girl is now in the custody of child protective custody.

A Liberian official with the Denver Seminary says in his homeland, rape was often used as a weapon and a means of obedience.

The country didn't even consider rape a crime until three years ago.

He says although the family is now in America, they still have their Liberian world view.

(Courtesy: CNN)