A former police chief accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl more than 10 years ago has been acquitted of the charges.
WMUR-TV reports that the jury delivered its not guilty verdict Tuesday afternoon, after less than two hours of deliberations.
Lawyers on both sides agree that John LaRoche and the girl had sexual contact.
LaRoche's lawyers say the woman, then a teenage Boscawen police cadet, willingly took part in their sexual encounters. LaRoche was a Boscawen police officer at the time and an adviser for the Explorer Program, a way for teens to learn about police work.
The 45-year-old LaRoche had pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated felonious sexual assault, attempted aggravated assault and sexual assault. He resigned as Canterbury police chief in January.
