A judge on Wednesday set a 2026 trial date for two suspects in a case of sexual assault, kidnapping and drugs involving two Colorado Springs runaways.

Investigators arrested roommates Jerome Scott, 62, and Gerald Brooks, 68, in early July after detectives found the teenage girls inside an apartment on the south edge of downtown Colorado Springs.

At the pair’s most recent hearing in September, the prosecution informed Scott and Brooks that any plea deals were going to be harsh, and they did not anticipate either defendant accepting one.

Scott faces 14 charges, including kidnapping, sexual assault, distribution of a controlled substance, contributing to delinquency and harboring a minor. Brooks faces similar charges.

During Wednesday’s hearing, both defense counsels said they had discussed plea deals with the prosecution, but indicated that their clients wished to proceed to trial.

A joint trial is scheduled to begin March 2. As of Wednesday, prosecutors said they intend to try the case together despite separate charges.

According to charging documents, Scott allegedly brought the two girls, ages 13 and 17, to his apartment in the 300 block of Victoria Street in early July after they had been reported missing days prior.

One of the girls told detectives they had been at the residence for “a couple of days,” and that both adults gave them “crack,” marijuana and alcohol. Scott allegedly sexually assaulted them both and kept giving them drugs to “keep them out of it,” the affidavit states.

Brooks initially denied any involvement with the girls, but was later arrested after investigators determined he had “more culpability than originally believed” regarding the allegations, according to his affidavit.

According to one of the girls, Brooks provided the pair with drugs along with Scott, allegedly participating in the drug use himself. While no sexual contact happened with one girl, she told police Brooks made advances and “innuendos” toward her.

While Brooks appeared in custody for Wednesday’s hearing, Scott allegedly refused to be transported to the courthouse. Brooks is being held on a $50,000 bond, while Scott has a $100,000 bond.

They are scheduled to appear for a motion hearing Nov. 19.