Mixed Verdict, New Trial For Man Who Allegedly Molested Young Relatives

Another trial and a mixed verdict.

That’s what a jury handed a man on trial for allegedly molesting four young relatives in Las Cruces.

John Eric Ochoa molested those young relatives in May of 2008; the jury deliberated for ten hours before reaching a mixed verdict.

Ochoa showed little emotion as Judge Stephen Bridgforth announced two guilty verdicts for criminal sexual contact, one guilty verdict for interfering with communication, and four not guilty verdicts.

But on six counts, including kidnapping, the judge declared a mistrial, because the jury could not reach a unanimous decision.

Prosecutors plan to retry Ochoa on those counts, and say today’s verdict was a start.

Ochoa could face 24 years in prison, and will be sentenced after his retrial.