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The trial of suspected rapist Tarone Johnson was held last Tuesday and Wednesday in Posey County Superior Court where a jury found Johnson not guilty of rape.
On June 5, 2006, Johnson was arrested on one count of rape, a Class B felony, and one count of criminal deviate conduct.
His bond was set at $100,000 or $10,000 cash and he was unable to collect the funds. He remained in the jail until last week’s trial.
On June 27, he pled not guilty and asked for a speedy trial. The court originally set the trial date for Aug. 9-10.
Throughout the month of July depositions were completed, DNA experts were also called.
On Aug. 8, the court reset the trial date for Aug. 15-16. Final instructions and amendments were made at that time. A tape of Dr. Michael Peter’s deposition was allowed to be played to the jurors. Transcripts were also presented to be presented to jurors but they were not to go into the jury room.
Jury selection began on the morning of Aug. 16. A panel of 12 jurors was selected.
Opening statements followed shortly after jury instructions were given.
Posey County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Kelli Fink presented the State’s case against Johnson.
She presented testimony from Elizabeth James, Craig McFaddin and Janet Warrick.
On the second day, the State concluded its case by calling Mount Vernon Police Detective John Dike, Michelle Nussmeier, ISP Crime Scene Technician Greg Oeth and the taped interview from Dr. Peters was played. The prosecution then rested its case.
Defense attorney Bill Gooden asked for a verdict on the second count. The State did not object to dismissing the second count of criminal deviate conduct.
The defense presented testimony from only one witness-Heather Owen. The defense then rested.
The court adjourns while final jury instructions are prepared. Once completed, the defense and prosecution reviewed the instructions and agreed they were correct.
Both sides then offered their closing statements.
The jury resigned to the jury room for deliberations. Verdict forms and trial exhibits were sent to the jury room as well, with the exception of Dr. Peters’ deposition.
A short time later, the jury returned with a not guilty verdict. The jury was not polled.
Johnson was returned to the sheriff where he was later released.