The following news item is printed in its entirety as it appeared in the New Haven Register, The Blotter, Area police, fire and court news on November 22, 2006:

Wallingford man cleared in sex assault
New Haven Register

NEW HAVEN — A Superior Court jury has cleared a Wallingford man in connection with the sexual assault of a 7-year old relative.

Lucas Gonzalez, 54, Monday was deemed innocent of both charges: first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor.

Defense attorney Glenn Conway said the alleged victim, now 14, testified during the trial but clearly did not convince the jurors. "There was nothing there, no corroboration," Conway said.

The jury began deliberating last Friday afternoon then announced the verdict Monday. Conway said the total deliberation time was about five hours.

Conway said the boy waited six years before reporting the allegation. According to Conway, the boy moved to Ohio in 1999.

Senior Assistant State's Attorney Gene Calistro, who prosecuted the case, said Tuesday, "The case was difficult for both families. The jury worked diligently; I respect their verdict."

Calistro conceded there was no medical evidence of an assault. "It came down to whether the jury believed the credibility of the complainant."