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The allegations against him were serious: he was accused of reaching into the complainant’s underwear, inappropriately touching him for a few moments, and then sniffing his own fingers.
However, the verdict was clear. “Not guilty,” declared the jury foreperson, bringing a significant turn in the courtroom.
Massa acknowledged that he did indeed place his hand down the man’s trousers and made contact with his backside, but he maintained that the interaction was consensual.
As he exited the courtroom, surrounded by a supportive group of family and friends, his relief was palpable.
He expressed his sentiments by quoting, “There are only three things that can’t be hidden for long: the sun, the moon, and the truth. Today, the truth has finally emerged.”
The 47-year-old described the toll the “false allegations” have taken on his life, costing him $130,000 in legal fees and a year-and-a-half of his life.
The jury made the right decision, Massa said, and he was happy it was all behind him.
“I’m just happy to move on with my life,” he said.
She said it showed the complainant talking, laughing and smiling with Massa, and kissing him even after the alleged rapes.
The man did not appear to be upset, awkward, frustrated or in pain, she argued.
Instead, he only left because his girlfriend pulled him away from Massa after the two men were seen close together, Carroll said.
The prosecutor’s argument that Massa knew there was no consent and proceeded anyway was dismissed by the jury when it delivered verdicts of acquittal.
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