BARAGA COUNTY -- William Gauthier, 47, was found not guilty after jury deliberation on Wednesday.
Gauthier was originally charged with two counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct, which would have carried a possible life sentence.
The original charges against Gauthier were from a camping trip, in which a woman claimed Gauthier took advantage of her when she was intoxicated and incapacitated. He maintained throughout the trial that the woman had consented.
"The jury carefully deliberated and reached the right outcome based on the evidence," said Gauthier's attorney, Jay S. Finch. "My client is relieved that this matter is now behind him.
The trial began on Monday, lasted three days, and included testimony from 10 witnesses.
This is the second trial for this case. The first trial took place in August but was ruled a mistrial after a juror had a mental breakdown during deliberations.
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