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BELMOND, Iowa (AP) -- A teacher at Belmond-Klemme High School has been found not guilty of charges that she had a sexual relationship an 18-year-old male student.
A Wright County District Court jury took less than an hour Friday to return its verdict clearing Jodi Barrus, a high school teacher and softball coach. She was charged with sexual exploitation by a school employee.
Barrus' attorney made her accuser's history of making up stories a key part of the defense. In closing arguments, defense attorney Derek Johnson pointed out 50 inconsistencies in the teen's statements to police, friends and testimony in court.
Barrus says she now plans to file multiple civil lawsuits, adding that possible legal targets could include school employees.
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