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| File photo. Joseph Bergman, left, in court with his attorneys. (Photo: J.D. Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune) |
Bergman, a former wrestling coach of Genoa High School, testified in his own defense Wednesday morning to conclude the testimony in the three-day trial.
The 29-year-old Genoa man explained his actions on the day in question which included preparing for his departure that weekend for a more than five-month stint at Fort Hood, Mo., for training, part of which he was an instructor.
When the verdict was announced, Bergman let out a gasp and began sobbing. He hugged his attorney, Stevin Groth, and continued wiping the tears from his eyes, even minutes after the jury was dismissed. He weeped openly while hugging his family and friends who were gathered in Judge Robert Pollex's courtroom throughout the trial and the verdict.
Following the verdict Groth said, "Obviously we are extremely happy with the verdict. I believe Joe Bergman has been vindicated after a very long year."