MIAMI COUNTY — A former West Milton police officer convicted of raping a child four years ago is getting a new trial.
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In a decision filed last week, Miami County Judge Stacy Wall vacated a 2021 verdict against Kevin Wright and granted him a new trial.
As News Center 7 previously reported, Wright was convicted of three counts of rape and sentenced to three 10-years to life sentences in 2021.
In her ruling, Wall found that “trial counsel’s performance was deficient and the deficient performance prejudiced” Wright.
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Wall wrote that it meant there was “reasonable probability that, absent the errors [of counsel], the factfinder would have a reasonable doubt respecting guilty” on the following grounds:
- Ground 1. - Inadequate Investigation and Trial Preparation;
- Ground 2. DNA Evidence in part; and
- Ground 4. Failure to Consult and Call Forensic Cell Phone Expert in part
Wright has been incarcerated at the Toledo Correctional Institution since May 2021. A bond hearing and status conference for Wright is now scheduled for later this week.
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