Casey cleared of assault charges
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on January 25, 2006 1:52 PM
A former candidate for mayor of Goldsboro has been cleared of charges that he fondled several women who lived in his mobile home park.
Lonnie Casey Jr., who operates Casey's Trailer Lodge at 1700 S. Slocumb St., was found not guilty by a Wayne County Superior Court jury of one charge of misdemeanor sexual battery.
Casey was accused of assaulting Angelina Middleton, who lived in the trailer park, on July 27. Ms. Middleton was the state's only witness.
Two similar charges that were brought last June by Teresa A. Harrelson and Theresa Major were dismissed by the prosecution.
Casey and another resident in the park, Frances Gomez, testified for the defense.
The jury deliberated for only 35 minutes before returning its verdict.
Lawyer Sarah Heekin of Goldsboro represented Casey. Assistant District Attorney Paige Rouse prosecuted the case.
Casey, 62, had been convicted in Wayne County District Court of three misdemeanor charges of sexual battery against the three women who were residents of the mobile home park.
Casey was sentenced to 60 days in jail. The term was suspended on condition that complete 12 months of unsupervised probation and pay a $250 fine and $110 in court costs. Casey appealed the judgment.