A Wayne County jury deliberated for less than an hour Wednesday afternoon before finding former Fairfield High School tennis coach Joshua Rockett not guilty on three charges of criminal sexual abuse. Rockett had been accused of fondling a foreign exchange student from Brazil who was living with him at the time. The alleged victim testified during the trial, while Rockett chose not to take the stand in his own defense.
During the trial presided over by Judge, Denton Aud, the State called multiple witnesses, including Fairfield Police Detective, Dane Horton. Defense exhibits, including Ring camera footage and other materials, were presented to the jury. Rockett’s defense also called Detective Horton and Julie Rockett as witnesses. After both sides rested, the court held a formal jury instruction conference and delivered closing arguments.
The jury retired to deliberate at 3:23 p.m. and returned a verdict of not guilty on all three counts at 4:12 p.m.