Jury finds Wachter not guilty
MUNISING -- Brian Wachter, 30, was found not guilty by a jury on Thursday afternoon. The charges involved the alleged drugging and raping of a 23-year-old Munising woman.
The jury started deliberations around 11 a.m. Thursday morning, after Wachter did not take the stand.
The defense rested its case with no witnesses.
In closing arguments, the prosecution and defense agreed on one thing: that whether force was asserted in this sexual activity was the only issue that needed to be deliberated by the jury.
Wachter admits sexual contact did take place, but that it was 100 percent consensual.
In closing arguments, the prosecution said Wachter had obvious sexual boundary issues, and the deliberations should focus on him rather than the reputation of the victim, who is currently pregnant and has three children.
The defense says this is a case of morning after regret, and an elaborate attempt for the victim to cover up cheating on her boyfriend.
They also argue there is no way to prove that rape was committed beyond reasonable doubt.
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