(Spirit Lake)– Testimony got underway this (Fri.) afternoon in the trial of a former school bus driver for the Okoboji Community School District accused of sexually abusing a student. Steven Titterington was charged with 3rd degree sexual abuse and sexual exploitation by a school official in connection with the alleged incidents.
Testimony began with the accuser herself taking the stand. Media outlets covering the trial have been instructed by the presiding judge not to identify the accuser, because she is a juvenile. She testified the alleged incidents occurred frequently when she was in 9th grade. She also talked about a relationship she had at the same time with an 18-year-old boyfriend, even though she was warned by her mother and high school principal to quit seeing him. She also testified of various statements and interviews she gave of the alleged incidents to her Principal, guidance counselor and Child Advocacy Center. She also admitted to lying to her mother and school officials about purchases she made on a school charge card.
Cross examination by defense attorney Chris Sandy focused on inconsistencies between the statements and interviews by the accuser with those given during her court depositions.
Court was then recessed for the weekend, with testimony to resume at 8:30 am Monday.
