Clarion – The prosecution has rested and Jodi Barrus’ attorney is now calling witnessed in defense of the Belmond-Klemme teacher/coach in Wright County District Court.
Barrus, 33, of Belmond, is on trial for sexual exploitation by a school employee, a Class D felony.
Yesterday the 18-year-old student was among the first witnesses called. He said he had Barrus for a teacher as a junior and that he umpired some of her little league softball games. The Belmond-Klemme student said the relationship with Barrus started with text messages and they became friends. The teen said he had three sexual encounters with Barrus.
One of the first witnesses called by Barrus’ attorney was a friend of the alleged victim who claimed the young man often lied and bragged about things. Another witness, a Belmond-Klemme, teacher testified that she overheard Barrus and the boy talking shortly after the investigation started and that both denied any wrong doing.
During opening statement’s Barrus’ attorney said her client will taken the stand to tell her side of the story.
