Former Coral Springs School Custodian Found Guilty Of Sexually Abusing Teen Student
CORAL SPRINGS (CBSMiami) – After two days of deliberations, a former Coral Springs Middle School custodian has been found guilty of sexually abusing a teen student.
The jury returned that verdict late Thursday night in the case of 29-year-old Robert Grant, who was facing four counts of sexual battery and seven counts of lewd and lascivious molestation.
The jury was hung up the sexual battery charges, which is what took so long for them to return a verdict.
"The notes say the following, 'We were unable to come to a unanimous decision on the counts 1-4, we have unanimously come to a verdict on counts 5-11," said Judge Barbara McCarthy.
During the trial, the jury heard from several boys who said they too were touched inappropriately. The alleged victim took the stand too.
"How many times did it happen like that?" the attorney asked.
"I'm not sure how many times, but every time he stretched me," the teen replied.
"Every time he stretched you one on one?" the attorney followed up.
"Yes," the teen said.
The jury also heard from Grant.
"Did you molest any of these kids?" asked Defense Attorney Jim Lewis.
"I did not," Grant said.
"Why's he saying you did?" Lewis followed up.
"I have no idea," Grant replied.
Prosecutors told the jury that Grant groomed the teen and that when the alleged battery happened, the child was paralyzed with fear.
"He can't say anything, he can't move, he doesn't know what the defendant is capable of doing and he just lets it happen," said Prosecutor Kerrie Harper.
Grant's attorney told jurors the case lacked evidence.
"These cases are scary, witness, no DNA, no evidence to confirm what 14-year-old said. More innocent people in jail for this kind of crime than any other," Lewis said.
Grant now faces life in prison when he is sentenced.