Jury Deliberating in Deputy’s Trial
The jury began deliberations Thursday in the trial of an Encinitas sheriff’s deputy who is charged with attempting to rape a 16-year-old girl.
Testimony from both the prosecution and defense ended quickly Thursday morning, and attorneys gave their closing arguments in the afternoon in the case of Ray Charles Johnson, 37.
The San Diego Superior Court jury deliberated for a short time Thursday before leaving for the evening recess.
The five-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department has denied the offenses. His attorney, Elliott Kanter, urged jurors to acquit Johnson, saying the prosecution didn’t prove its case. Kanter said there was reasonable doubt in the girl’s story and suggested it was made up.
Johnson remains free on his own recognizance.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
