WEWOKA, Okla. (KFOR) — A Seminole County jury found former Wewoka youth pastor and middle school principal Cody Barlow not guilty on all counts on Friday.
Barlow, 35, was charged with two counts of indecent acts and four counts of indecent proposals to a child under 16 after three victims came forward.
On day four of the trial, Barlow took the stand in his own defense, and was asked to explain videos found in his office that showed him spanking students and pulling up their pants.
Barlow explained that he was just roughhousing with the students, and that while it may be unprofessional his actions were not criminal.
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After two hours of deliberation by the jury, they reached a verdict of not guilty, bringing the four-day trial to a close.
“We are irretrievably devastated” said Tara Portillo, Seminole County Assistant District Attorney.
Portillo told News 4 the family members of the victims are beyond devastated, and that she wants to know why the jury made their decision.
“I think this sends a message to people that ask questions why do sex offenders get probation. This is exactly why,” Portillo said. “Because the word of three children that this man abused them was not enough in a court of law in Oklahoma so he walks out the door a free man.”
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