By Traci Chapman
Contributing Writer
A Canadian County jury late Friday found a 17-year-old Piedmont High School student not guilty of rape in a case filed against him in March.
District Judge Paul Hesse confirmed the youth was acquitted by a jury in a trial with District Judge Jack McCurdy.
The boy’s father said his family has endured hardship over a six month period since the charge was filed.
“We are happy the truth was revealed. Our family has suffered a great deal of trauma and harassment through this process due to inaccurate reporting by the media and gossip. We are looking forward to beginning the healing process and resuming normal life again. So much has been lost that our son can never get back. We are thankful to all of our friends that stood by our side through these 6 months,” his father said.
According to documents filed with the court by Piedmont Police Department in support of the charge filed against the boy, he and several others – including an unnamed girl – attended a March party at a home where the parents were out of town.
After the verdict, Piedmont Police Chief Scott Singer stated, “This agency accepts the jury’s verdict.”
Prosecutors filed the case as a “youthful offender” criminal action against the 17-year-old.
As of Friday evening, it was unclear how long the jury deliberated before reaching their decision to acquit the Piedmont youth.
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