By Sheryl Roadcap
TROY — Charges against a former janitor employed with the Milton-Union School District have been dismissed.
In a press release from Anthony E. Kendell, prosecuting attorney with the Miami County Prosecutor’s Office, the charges against Jerry North were dismissed.
A jury trial was set to start on Tuesday, Jan. 23, in the Miami County Court of Common Pleas during which North was facing three counts of rape of a victim under the age of 10, all first-degree felonies, two counts of gross sexual imposition, both second-degree felonies, and one count of intimidation of an attorney, victim or witness in a criminal case, a third-degree felony, after actions allegedly occurred in boy’s restroom of Milton-Union Elementary School. These assaults were alleged to have occurred between Aug. 1, 2019, and May 31, 2021.
Kendell released the following statement on Monday, Jan. 22:
“In April, 2023, disclosures were made regarding alleged sexual conduct between a juvenile complainant and Jerry North. Based upon those disclosures, the Miami County Grand Jury issued an indictment on May 3, 2023. During preparation for trial, on Jan. 21, 2024, the juvenile complainant admitted that they had, in large part, fabricated the allegations against Mr. North. Further, the remaining allegations did not align temporally with the prior disclosure.
“It is the responsibility of the Miami County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to first and foremost seek the truth. Because of the discrepancies in the complaining witness’ statements, along with the admission of incredible fabrications, my office will not be pursuing charges against Mr. North. The charges in Miami County Common Pleas Court case number 23CR179 have been dismissed.
“In my 30 years in the Miami County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, I have never witnessed a scenario such as this. I am thankful Prosecutor Matthew Joseph, with assistance from other members of my staff, was able to effectively discover the truth in this matter. No greater tragedy could occur in a courtroom than an innocent person being convicted. This office will always be found searching for the truth, because justice, fairness and human decency demand it.”
