LIVINGSTON, La. (BRPROUD) — After nearly eight hours of deliberation jurors have come to a decision. Melanie Curtain is guilty of aggravated rape and video voyeurism.
She was seen screaming and crying as she was carried out of the courtroom and taken into custody.
“We are very pleased at the verdict,” said Assistant Attorney General Barry Milligan.
The case centered around a nearly 20-minute long video of the rape. Curtin is convicted for her role in making that video. Former Livingston parish deputy Dennis Perkins is awaiting trial for his alleged participation.
“That was our main piece of evidence it was possibly the strongest piece of evidence I have ever seen in a criminal case and yeah, that was our case,” said Milligan.
Immediately after the verdict was read, Curtin’s bond was revoked and she was taken into custody. Curtin is facing a life sentence.
“It’s obviously pretty devastating… At one point we thought we had a hung jury, they came back with a note saying we are deadlocked, so we thought maybe it would be hung but apparently, whoever was holding out changed their minds, so, it’s a really really tough day,” said John McLindon, the defense attorney in the trial.
McLindon said they plan to appeal.
Sentencing will be in January.
