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Jury acquits Massena man of raping child and woman

Posted 6/26/18

CANTON — A Massena man has been acquitted of charges that alleged he raped a 10-year old in 1996 and a 35-year old woman twice between 2008 and 2019, according to St. Lawrence County District …

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Jury acquits Massena man of raping child and woman

Posted

CANTON — A Massena man has been acquitted of charges that alleged he raped a 10-year old in 1996 and a 35-year old woman twice between 2008 and 2019, according to St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua.

Joseph J. Breault, 63, was acquitted by a jury Monday of four felonies: Predatory sexual assault and three counts of first-degree rape.

The trial started June 11 and concluded on June 25, after the jury deliberated for approximately 10 hours, Pasqua said. The defendant’s bail was subsequently exonerated by Acting County Court Judge John S. Hall Jr.

“These cases are very difficult, and this one ended in an acquittal, but fighting for survivors is about much more than counting convictions, it is about fighting for justice,” Pasqua said. “We fought here, and will continue to fight for our survivors, win or lose. These ladies are an inspiration, they came forward, let the jury hear their voices, and decide the case based on the evidence.”

The DA added that he is proud of the hard work of his team including this trial’s first chair, assistant district attorney Joshua Haberkornhalm; second chair, assistant district attorney Matthew Peabody, and the staff that supported them throughout this case.

The defendant was represented by Edward F. Narrow.

Pasqua expressed gratitude to the judge “for ensuring a fair and just trial, and the jury for their time, careful consideration, and effort. These cases are emotionally charged and difficult, and it is a tribute to our community to have citizens put their life on hold to take on the challenges of being jurors.”