MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Defense attorney Benjamin Thompson expressed his unwavering commitment to his client’s innocence after successfully defending Joe Vera III, a 29-year-old Marion resident, who was found not guilty during a jury trial on Thursday. Vera faced charges of aggravated burglary, strangulation, and domestic violence.
“I took an oath; when my client looks me in the eye and tells me he is innocent, I defend him,” Thompson stated. He criticized the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for pursuing the case despite a lack of evidence. Thompson revealed that he had repeatedly requested the prosecutors to drop the charges against Vera but was met with refusal, prompting him to proceed directly to trial. Thompson sought no continuances on behalf of his client.
Vera had been incarcerated since November of last year. According to Thompson, evidence presented during the trial included photographs of the alleged victim that showed no injuries, as well as a door that was reportedly damaged during the break-in, which remained intact. He also noted that a sofa placed in front of the door was undisturbed when law enforcement arrived on the scene, and even claimed that his client was not present during the incident.
Thompson expressed concern over the prosecutors’ actions, stating, “It is sad to see prosecutors display such blatant disregard for their duty to seek the truth. It is troubling.”
With the acquittal, the costs associated with the jury trial will revert to the state, ultimately impacting taxpayers.