Jodi Barrus, Iowa Teacher, Cleared of Charges of Sex with Teen

BELMOND, Iowa (CBS/AP) Jodi Barrus, a teacher at Belmond-Klemme High School, has been found not guilty of charges that she had sex with an 18-year-old male student.

A Wright County District Court jury took less than an hour Friday to return its verdict clearing the 33-year-old high school teacher and softball coach.

She was charged with sexual exploitation by a school employee.

Barrus' attorney made her accuser's history of making up stories a key part of the defense.

In closing arguments, defense attorney Derek Johnson pointed out 50 inconsistencies in the teen's statements to police, friends and testimony in court.

Barrus says she now plans to file multiple civil lawsuits, adding that possible legal targets could include school employees.

The school's website lists Barrus as a social studies and health teacher and head softball and volleyball coach, but the website says her profile is no longer available.

Barrus was a teacher and softball coach for 11 years in Pocatello, Idaho, working at Century, Highland and Pocatello High Schools. She received coach of the year honors in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.