STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A mistrial was declared in the trial of Marco Aguila, who was charged in an alleged sex abuse incident 10 years ago on Staten Island.
Justice Lisa Grey adjourned the case to Jan. 22 after the jury remained deadlocked last week 6-6. Earlier that day, jurors asked to hear back the young woman’s testimony on the witness stand.
The woman recalled an incident in May 2015 when she alleged Aguila kissed her and touched her intimately. At the time, she was under the age of 13 and Aguila was in his mid-30s.
Under state law, a person has until they are 28 years old to file charges against an alleged abuser.
School essay
In cross examining the woman, defense attorney Mark Fonte asked about how the criminal case against his client first unfolded.
It was a school essay that referenced an incident of sex abuse by an unnamed attacker. The essay was flagged by school officials, who then alerted police.
“You got to tell your story,” challenged Fonte.
“It’s not a story,” she replied.
“You understand how serious these allegations are?” pressed Fonte.
“Yes,” she replied.
The seasoned attorney suggested that the allegations were either made up for the essay, or the attacker was someone other than his client.