State v. Mr. B (DMC No. 18798) – (4 Counts) Felony Child Molestation (Dangerous Crimes Against Children) – Not Guilty/Partial Acquittal at Jury Trial – (3 counts Not Guilty/Acquitted) and Complete Hung Jury (on Remaining 1 Count) – Nov 21, 2024 – Maricopa County Superior Court (Case No. CR2022-001590)
Mr. B had been married twice, and had gone through two very contentious Divorces. Both of his ex-wives defended each other, and both disliked Mr. B. During the Divorce process, and afterwards, resulting in multiple Court appearances being necessary in order for Mr. B to have visitation with his two biological children and his two step-children.
This case began when one of the Alleged Victims (a 12-year-old) had told her friend that her dad touched her private parts and had put his head on her “boob.” The friend’s mother than called the girl’s mother, and she immediately reported this to the Police and to the Department of Child Safety (DCS).
Eventually, all four kids were brought down to be interviewed by Detectives, and they made statements that Mr. B had touched them inappropriately while “hugging them.” The Detectives then raced ahead with the Prosecutors and filed charges against Mr. B.
Once DM Cantor was retained, we put together a Defense which involved pulling all of the Family Law paperwork from both of his previous Divorces. We also pulled numerous Police Reports where the more aggressive of the ex-wives would constantly make false claims about Mr. B being physically abusive with the kids. None of those Police Reports were ever “Substantiated,” and it was apparent that this woman “had it out” for Mr. B.
During the Forensic interviews, the kids had clearly been coached, and they would change their answers on numerous occasions. Once the case went to Jury Trial, one of the children even said that he was never touched inappropriately by Mr. B. One of the other children stated that when he “hugged her” it would make her feel “uncomfortable,” but his hands had never gone and touched her private areas.
After a 14-day Jury Trial, the Jury came back with Not Guilty Verdict on 3 of the charges, and they were Hung on the fourth charge, with the majority of the Jurors voting Not Guilty. In other words, Mr. B was Not Convicted of Any Charges. If he had been convicted, he would have been facing a Range of Punishment of a Minimum of 40 years in Prison, and a Maximum of Life in Prison. Instead, he is a free man today.