Rick Wood, spokesman for District Attorney Walter Reed, said both sides in this case are battling a language barrier that appears to be troublesome for jurors, as nearly everyone in the ivolved in the case, with the exception of the victim, does not speak or read English. He said the victim’s age as well as the defendant’s age could also be factors in the two mistrials.
Wood said the jury deliberated for five hours Wednesday evening before returning to report that they could not come to a consensus.
|
|
He was initially charged with sexual battery. When the case went to trial the first time last summer, the six-person jury told the judge they could not reach a unanimous vote and Badeaux declared a mistrial.
When the case returned for a second trial this week, the prosecution had reduced the charge to indecent behavior with a juvenile hoping to get a conviction.
Unsuccessful in this second attempt, Wood said, the prosecution must now decide if it wants to move forward with a third trial.
“Something that has to be considered is that it has returned twice with a mistrial,” he said. “We need to consider that when we decide whether or not to go forward.”
View Jobs
View Homes
View Autos
Comments