Feb 15, 2017 1 min read

Jurors could not unanimously agree on a verdict in the case of Luis Alonso Martinez, charged with indecent assault on an 8-year-old girl, so Judge Michael Lucas declared a mistrial in a Washington County Court.

After beginning testimony last week, the jury of eight women and four men began deliberations mid-day Tuesday. Lucas opened court shortly after 4 p.m. Wednesday by asking the jury foreman if the panel had deadlocked. When no one disagreed with the assessment, he released the jurors, giving them the option to discuss their opinions.

Assistant District Attorney Kristin Clingerman said after court was adjourned she would have to weigh the impact on the child of having to testify again but “at this point, we’ll probably look toward re-trying it.”

Defense attorney Peter Marcoline III said, “I’m going to reserve comment. As of last night, the jury was deadlocked with the majority indicating a ‘not guilty’ mindset.”

Cecil Township police, who opened their investigation Feb. 16, 2016, alleged the touching of the girl’s genitals took place at least twice between May 30, 2014, and June 6, 2015, when the victim was 8 years old.

Martinez, 45, of Canonsburg, remains free on $25,000 unsecured bond.