Deliberations to resume Friday in case against former youth sports coach accused of child sex crimes
Deliberations will continue Friday in the case of a former youth sports coach accused of child sex crimes in Warren County.
Eric Schmidt, of Mason, is charged with one count of rape, two counts of gross sexual imposition and two counts of public indecency.
The first accuser testified that she was molested by Schmidt during a sleepover at his house in 2105. She was 12 years old at the time and friends with Schmidt's daughter, Kelsey Schmidt.
Kelsey Schmidt was the only witness the defense called. She took the stand Friday and defended her father.
Kelsey Schmidt said the accuser did not mention any inappropriate behavior involving her father until after she tried ending the friendship.
"I had wanted to take a break from her and our friendship," Kelsey Schmidt said.
Defense attorney Bill Gallagher asked, "What was the reason for that?
"Because I hadn't forgiven her for the other things she's done, and she was a liar." Kelsey Schmidt said.
She then described her reaction.
"I said, 'I've never left you alone with my dad. You're a liar, and don't talk about my dad ever again,'" Kelsey Schmidt said.
Mason police investigated the allegations but closed the case after the accuser's family declined to move forward with charges.
Fast forward to 2019, a second 12-year-old girl made similar allegations against Schmidt.
She said he molested and raped her during a football party attended by coaches, parents and players.
That led to the indictment.
During closing arguments, prosecutors told jurors if they believe the accusers, that's all the evidence they need to find Eric Schmidt guilty.
"He chose them. He chose the place. He chose circumstances. He chose the victims," said assistant prosecutor Travis Vieux. "I told you at the beginning, beyond a reasonable doubt is a measure of your confidence. Members of the jury, be confident. Be confident when you go back there. Be confident when you return a guilty verdict."
Defense attorney Beth Conkin encouraged jurors to consider accusers' testimony.
"You don't have consistent words, and you don't have behavior that matches those words. The words have changed multiple times. The words don't make any sense," Conkin said.
Defense attorneys stressed reasonable doubt, telling jurors 'maybe' is not good enough for a guilty verdict.
"Based upon the evidence presented, we believe the defendant is probably guilty, is a not guilty," Bill Gallagher said.
Jurors deliberated for about four hours Thursday before being sent home for the night. Deliberations will resume at 9 a.m. Friday.