On Friday, an Olmsted County jury acquitted Rochester resident Oddie Oker of rape and burglary charges. The State of Minnesota accused Oker of breaking into an acquaintance’s residence and committing a brutal sexual assault.
The State’s case came under fire due to inconsistencies in the victim’s claims, the lack of physical evidence supporting the alleged victim’s claims, and also Oker’s credible testimony. Oker and the alleged victim had a prior social and sexual relationship, and the jury concluded the victim’s words and actions evidenced an invitation for Oker to come over, undercutting the burglary claim.
The trial lasted 5 days.
Oker was represented by Grant Borgen of Bird, Stevens & Borgen, P.C. This is Mr. Borgen’s second acquittal this year.
