9/12/13 - Following a mistrial earlier this summer, a second jury has found a Genoa Township man not guilty on all charges that he molested a female family member. The jury began deliberating the case Wednesday afternoon after both sides rested in the 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. This morning the panel announced they had acquitted him on all charges including one count of 1st degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of 2nd degree CSC. The alleged abuse was said to have taken place between 2008 and 2011. The defendant, who adamantly denies the accusations, could have faced life in prison if convicted. This was his second trial in the matter. The first trial was halted July 1st and a mistrial declared by Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty following an outburst by a member of the jury pool that officials felt would irreversibly taint the panelâs opinion. (JK)
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