67°
Defense attorney Brian Neary thanked jurors for “their good work and the clarity of their decision” to acquit Bryan Caceres, 39, after less than a day of deliberations.
The girl, now 17, testified that she lied about being raped in May 2011 because she was seeking attention and wasn’t getting along with her mother.
She also answered several questions by saying she didn’t remember or she didn’t want to talk about it.
Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Demetra Maurice said she put on a vigorous case because “I really do believe she’s a victim.”
Closing arguments in the three-week trial were presented yesterday. Jurors began deliberating this morning and returned their verdict just after lunch.
They found Caceres, a single, self-employed construction worker, not guilty of aggravated sexual assault, child abuse or neglect and three separate counts of aggravated criminal sexual contact.
STORY / PHOTO: Mary K. Miraglia, CLIFFVIEW PILOT Courthouse Reporter
Click here to follow Daily Voice Hackensack and receive free news updates.
