9/10/13 - Following a mistrial earlier this summer, a new trial has begun for a Genoa Township man accused of molesting a female family member. A jury was seated and opening statements were heard this afternoon in the second trial for the 42-year-old man, who is not being identified by WHMI per a policy of protecting the privacy of alleged sexual assault victims. Witness testimony was heard from two individuals on behalf of the people and a defense exhibit was admitted before the prosecution rested. The trial is slated to resume tomorrow morning. The suspect is charged with a single count of 1st degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of 2nd degree CSC. The alleged abuse is said to have taken place between 2008 and 2011. The defendant, who adamantly denies the accusations, could face life in prison if convicted. His first trial was halted July 1st and a mistrial declared by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty. That followed an outburst by a member of the jury pool that officials felt would irreversibly taint the panelâs opinion. (JM)
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