Posted: Saturday, July 11, 2015, 1:00 am By DEBRA TOBIN Logan Daily News Editor dtobin@logandaily.com
LOGAN – Within 15 minutes of going into deliberations, a jury of eight women and four men determined a Rockbridge woman was innocent of all charges in a child abuse-related case. In March, Theresa A. Vickroy, 53, of Rockbridge, was indicted by the grand jury of endangering children, a felony of the second degree; endangering children, a third-degree felony; aggravated assault, a fourth-degree felony; domestic violence, a misdemeanour of the first degree; and assault, also an MM1. According to the Hocking County Sheriff’s report, Vickroy allegedly choked her 11-year-old son after a family argument ensued in January. The child testified in court on Thursday, as well as his 15-year-old brother, alleging repeated abuse. However, the jury did not find the children’s testimony credible and determined shortly after going into deliberations that Vickroy was not guilty of the crimes of which she was accused. “A quick verdict doesn’t mean the state didn’t prove their case,” stated defense attorney John Rutan.
“It means the state shouldn’t have even brought the case. Thankfully my client wasn’t only acquitted, but also vindicated.” HCSO Detective Joseph Starkey also testified but failed to present photos or other evidence to confirm the abuse. “We’re disappointed in the verdict,” stated Hocking County Assistant Prosecutor Bill Archer. “But we believe bringing these charges against Theresa Vickroy was important to protect the children. “The children’s testimony was very credible and justified the charges,” he added. “Unfortunately, jurors did not agree.” The children were removed from the home and placed in the care of a family member upon investigation by HCSO and Hocking County Children Services. Vickroy took the stand in her own defense and admitted that she occasionally slapped the child sometimes on the head, but never intentionally harm him.
Although both children testified that Vickroy had her hand or hands around the throat of the 11-year-old, Vickroy testified that she believed her arm was across the child’s chest after the two fell to the floor. Both children stated that they loved their mother and were heartbroken when their adoptive father passed away and that things changed in the household upon his death. Vickroy’s family was present during the trial and a sigh of relief was heard when she was found not guilty. “I love my kids,” Vickroy told The Logan Daily News. “It’s bittersweet.” When asked if she is hopeful of her children coming home, she replied, “I love my kids very much.”
