BENTON, Mo. -- A man accused of molesting a child has been found not guilty.

After more than two and a half hours of deliberation Friday, a Scott County jury returned a verdict of not guilty for Johnny Joshua Jones on a felony charge of first-degree statutory sodomy.

The state's witness, Kathryn Blevin, nurse practitioner from Beacon Health Center, testified there was not physical evidence of sexual assault. Also the 6-year-old child testified, along with her mother.

Jones chose not to testify on his own behalf, but his defense presented evidence to contradict the allegation. Medical evidence revealed the child had hallucinations while taking a certain medication and had several psychological diagnoses. Also, a counselor from Bootheel Mental Health stated the child never volunteered any problem until a year and a half later, and her story was inconsistent.

"We were deeply moved that Johnny was cleared of this horrendous charge by the jury," said James M. McClellan, who defended Jones. "The jury was very attentive and clearly found the allegations to be false. It seems today if a man is falsely accused of a sex offense, most people tend to think he is guilty. Johnny is grateful that the men and women on this jury found the truth and set him free."

Pertinent address:

Benton, MO