Michael Salita – WKVI Information Center

Verdict Returned in Salita Trial

January 16, 2015January 16, 2015WKVI

A jury returned a not guilty verdict concluding a two-day trial in Starke Circuit Court with defendant Michael Salita on Thursday afternoon.

Salita was arrested in August on a charge of rape as Level 3 felony. He had been incarcerated since he was arrested. The state had called four witnesses and the defense called five, including Salita.

Twelve jurors were selected Wednesday morning to hear testimony in the case in addition to one alternate. They returned Thursday afternoon with a verdict after 35 minutes of deliberation.

Michael Salita Trial Begins Today in Starke Circuit Court

January 14, 2015January 14, 2015WKVI

A jury trial is set to begin today in the case of Michael Salita.

Salita, 28, was arrested on Aug. 14, 2014 on a charge of rape as a Level 3 felony. Jury selection of 12 jurors and one alternate will be held beginning at 9 a.m. followed by opening statements by both Deputy Prosecutor Autumn Ferch and defense attorney Richard Ballard.

The state is anticipated to call up to four witnesses while the defense will have five witnesses to testify in the case. The only motion that Ballard made to the court was that all witnesses be separated during the trial.

The trial is expected to take two days in Starke Circuit Court. The jury will deliberate after all testimony and closing statements are given.