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A 12-member jury found John Sydnor not guilty of the charge of rape last Wednesday after only one hour of deliberation.
This is the second accused rapist in less than a week to be acquitted by the jury in Posey County.
Local law enforcement officials said they were not surprised that Sydnor was found not guilty on the charges because he is very slick.
In asking Deputy Prosecutor Kelli Fink about the difficulty in trying rape cases, she commented that it is very difficult because of the emotional and mental duress of victim and the evaluation of evidence.
She also added that it is very hard for most rape victims to come forward out of fear of retaliation.
She said that when she learned of the verdict, it almost broke her heart for the victim.
“These types of cases are very difficult to try because the way people remember things changes over time. Any change in the victim’s testimony is brought out by the defense attorney. These inconsistencies make it hard for the jury to overcome reasonable doubt, especially when the defense attorneys are hammering that into the jurors’ minds,” she said.
On June 6, Posey County Prosecutor Jodi Uebelhack filed charges on behalf of the state. She presented a probable cause affidavit that called for the charges of count one, rape, a Class A felony; count two, criminal deviate conduct, a Class A felony; count three, criminal deviate conduct, a Class A felony; and count four, habitual offender.
His initial hearing was held June 12. Beth McFadin-Higgins as his court appointed attorney.
On August 7, McFadin-Higgins advised the court she would be unable to defend Sydnor on the trial date set because of a scheduling conflict.
Sydnor was given the option of continuing the case or wishes for her to withdraw. Sydnor requested a speedy trial. McFadin-Higgins withdrew from the case.
The court then appointed William Gooden to represent Sydnor.
On Aug. 28, the charges were amended and count four was dropped.
The trial began on that day as well with jury selection. Opening statements from the prosecution and defense followed.
The state then presented its case with forensic evidence and witnesses. The Indiana State Police led the investigation.
The defense then followed with its case strategy.
The actual trial lasted until around lunch time Wednesday. After only an hour of deliberation, the jury returned to find Sydnor not guilty.