Not Guilty Verdict For FIU Student Accused Of Sexual Assault
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The trial for a Florida International University student accused of sexually assaulting another student at a dormitory last year has come to an end.
A jury found 21-year-old Brandon Allen not guilty on all charges, which included false imprisonment and battery.
Allen could have been sentenced to up to 5 years in prison if convicted of the false imprisonment charge.
"I am glad that justice was served," Allen told CBS4's Peter D'Oench. "These were false accusations and I am glad the jury found me not guilty. I always thought that people would find out the truth."
Both sides presented their closing arguments to the all-female jury on Wednesday and the verdict came back after just a couple hours of deliberation.
The defendant was seen dropping his head in relief following the reading of the verdict.
Outside the courtroom, D'Oench spoke with one of the 6 females on the jury.
The juror whose first name is Florence said, "We really did not have enough evidence to convict him. That was just a unanimous conclusion. We could not find him guilty of everything."
In closing arguments, Prosecutor Amanda Daniels said of the defendant, "He was going to get his way. He came over to her apartment anyway. When he tried to kiss her, she backs up and says stop."
Prosecutor Robin Peguero added that "this was false imprisonment and egregious behavior. She was held against her will. You must find him guilty."
However, the defense painted a different picture.
"He gave the cops everything they wanted," said Defense attorney Jeremy Triana. "I don't know what else an innocent man can do. He gave his consent to everything."
"You must find him not guilty," said Triana.
As she spoke, Allen was seen nodding his head.
During Tuesday's opening statements, the prosecution said their case would center on 21-year-old Brandon Allen's DNA being found on pajamas and a bed sheet.
There were also some strong words from the prosecutor, who called Allen a criminal who violated the victim.
Allen's attorney stated that it was consensual and the woman brought charges to hide the fact that she was cheating on her boyfriend who also belonged to the same fraternity as Allen.