NEW YORK
WKBW
[with video]
ALBION, N.Y. (WKBW) – After a major delay on Monday, a jury returned a verdict in the case against 70-year-old Roy Harriger, convicting the pastor of two of three counts of coercive criminal sexual conduct against a child.
Jurors began deliberating Harriger’s fate on Friday but were sent home after not reaching a decision by the time court closed for the day. They were set to continue Monday and re-listen to three witnesses’ testimony, but there was a major problem.
The court recorder had a pipe burst in her office over the weekend, drenching her laptop that contained all of the testimony. At first, she was unable to retrieve the data, which could have resulted in a mistrial.
But after a delay, the testimony was recovered. Jurors listened to the witnesses again and then continued deliberations.
As the verdict was read on Monday, there were gasps, deep breaths, tears and even a cheer inside Orleans County Court. Harriger had no comment as he walked out of the courtroom.
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