Judge Robert D. Springstead presides over the trial at the bench while Samuel King testifies from the witness stand.
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
WHITE CLOUD — A jury found a 52-year-old man not guilty of all charges in a child sex case in Newaygo County’s 27th Circuit Court Thursday, March 19.
Samuel Robert King was accused of sexually assaulting a girl who was 12 years old at the time, Jan. 1, 2023 in the City of Newaygo.
After hearing testimony from King, the child, the child’s mother and several law enforcement officers, the jury returned with a not guilty verdict following an hour and 45 minutes of deliberations, said King’s attorney Andrew LaPres.
He was charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct (CSC), assault with intent to commit second-degree CSC and accosting a child for immoral purposes.
“Our client had a (family member) accuse him of inappropriate conduct. He denied that it ever took place. His position is that she had other motivations to make those allegations.”
King was facing 22 ½ years in prison had he been convicted, LaPres said. He was arrested and lodged in the Newaygo County Jail when the charges were issued and posted a $50,000/cash/surety bond and was released.
He pleaded no contest to fourth-degree CSC approximately 16 years ago. “That came into evidence, but the jury didn’t think it was relevant.”
Judge Robert D. Springstead presided over the trial.
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