Martins Ferry Man Acquitted of All Charges in Rape Trial
Robert A. DeFrank Trending
Logan Cochran broke into tears and embraced his defense attorney, Michael Probst, when jurors acquitted him Thursday on two counts of first-degree felony rape and one count of fourth-degree felony gross sexual imposition.
The verdict ended a three-day trial.
"Obviously we are extremely elated. It's been two years for Logan, and this is just a hard case. There are tough cases. I'm not unsympathetic to the process. It isn't something that I enjoy watching, alleged victims or anyone get up on the stand and cry, but we're just extremely elated and thankful to the jury for making the right decision."
Both Cochran and the alleged victim took the stand during the three-day trial, and questions of credibility were raised in closing arguments by the prosecution and defense. The alleged victim had an emotional reaction during her cross examination.
Cochran, 21, of Martins Ferry, was 19 at the time of incident, which reportedly occurred during a post-graduation party on May 24, 2022, at a Martins Ferry residence.
Cochran took the stand and testified that a sexual encounter with the alleged victim was consensual.
During his closing argument, Gagin said this was a "he said, she said" situation but the evidence and common sense indicated the alleged victim should be believed. In his closing arguments, Probst said Gagin's arguments were a case of "spaghetti prosecution," or throwing accusations to see what sticks.
The jury deliberated for a little more than an hour before returning the verdict.