MOUNT VERNON — Seven witnesses provided testimony Tuesday at the Knox County Court of Common Pleas in the State of Ohio vs. Fred Parker sexual battery trial. Knox County Assistant Prosecutor Chip McConville presented the case to the jury with Parker being represented by defense attorney James Giles.
After McConville went over the trial procedures with prospective jurors, a handful of individuals were dismissed due to association or familiarity with witnesses, the defendant or the attorneys.
As opening statements were heard, McConville explained that what needs to be proven to the jury is:
•The defendant engaged in sexual conduct with the teenage victim.
•The victim is not the defendant’s spouse.
•The victim’s conduct was impaired.
•The incident took place in Knox County.
With McConville’s case being to prove that sexual conduct took place, Giles took a different stance. “It’s one of those unfortunate things that happen when people consume too much alcohol,” stated Giles in his opening statements. “Both were involved, and it is not a criminal act,” he said.