VALDOSTA — After nearly three hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on all counts in the case against Jeremy Albert Bennett, a Sallas Mahone Elementary School teacher charged with two counts of sexual battery and one count of child molestation.

“These cases are tough on all involved,” Defense Attorney Charles Wetherington said, “And it is just regrettable that all three families involved in this case had to go through this.”

When asked what he thought was the deciding factor in the outcome of the case, Wetherington stated, “The character witness testimony was overwhelming. But even taking away the character evidence, just when you listen to the state’s theory of the case in that this occurred within his classroom in front of 17 other students it just did not make sense, especially in light of the fact that the classmates that were interviewed did not see anything happen.”

Bennett released a statement through his attorney following the verdict and said, “Please let the young ladies know that I forgive them and I wish them well.”

Wetherington added that Bennett was “understandably emotional” following the conclusion of the nine-month ordeal.

“The outpouring of support was like no other case I’ve ever been involved in,” Wetherington said. “During testimony yesterday (Wednesday) every available seat on the defense side of the courtroom was taken, and today (Thursday) when the verdict was returned, every seat was taken by people who love him and know the real Jeremy Bennett.

“Personally, I would like to thank all of those who have contact me over the past nine months and shared their familiarity with Jeremy and shed light on what a great guy he is. I’ve received

unsolicited letters and phone calls periodically for the last nine months. I know of churches all around Valdosta of different denominations that have been praying for Jeremy. One of my character witnesses yesterday described him as a rock solid individual and I think that is a very good summation. I especially thank the teachers of Sallas Mahone in their steadfast and undying support of their colleague. I called close to 20 teachers at that school and I could have easily called another 20.”

The verdict was made in spite of Assistant District Attorney Laura Wood’s argument that the two girls accusing Bennett had no reason to lie and that the defense attempted to distract jurors by focusing on the characters of the parents.

As Wetherington addressed the jury in his closing argument, he asked members to consider Bennett’s testimony before reaching a verdict.

“Mr. Bennett looked you in the eyes, told you his life story and told you with a straight face that he didn’t do it,” Wetherington said.

He added that Bennett was not a sexual batterer or a sexual predator before exploring the testimonies of character witnesses who described Bennett as a man of excellent character and a rock solid, good Christian man. Wetherington mentioned that Bennett must have had admirable qualities, especially since two of his ex-girlfriends came to testify on his behalf.

“He worked as a bag boy at Publix and then at a Christian bookstore to put himself through college,” Wetherington said. “Even during Attorney Wood’s interrogation, he answered her with ‘yes ma’am’ and ‘no ma’am.’ That’s the character of Mr. Bennett.”

Wetherington then asked the jury to focus on the credibility of the prosecution witnesses. He argued that Beth Deloach’s daughter simply lied about Bennett as a way of getting out of trouble. Since the account of events given by Deanna Folsom’s daughter had changed between the time she was interviewed by the school counselor and the time she was interviewed by the Department of Family and Children Services, Wetherington suggested that she was coached to provide more information.

In addition, Wetherington pointed out various conflicts of interest, which include Folsom’s position as a board member for the Children’s Advocacy Center, where both girls had forensic interviews, and Folsom’s friendship with Valdosta City Schools Superintendent Bill Cason, despite the fact that Sam Allen was the superintendent at the time the allegations were made.