A 65-year-old New Amsterdam man was on Thursday acquitted of charges alleging that he engaged in sexual activity with and raped a girl who was between 10 and 11 years old.
Neil Fredericks, a heavy-duty truck and machine driver of Philadelphia Street, New Amsterdam,
was charged with sexual activity with a child under 16 and rape of a child under 16.
The first charge alleged that between March 1, 2020, and October 31, 2021, in Berbice, Fredericks engaged in sexual activity with a girl who was between 10 and 11 years old. The second charge alleged that during the same period, he sexually penetrated the child.
Frederick, who appeared before Justice Peter Hugh in the Berbice High Court, denied both allegations and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
State Prosecutor Marisa Edwards presented the prosecution’s case, calling 14 witnesses, including five police officers and a doctor, to testify during the trial.
Frederick was represented by attorney-at-law Charlyn Artiga.
After Justice Hugh summed up the evidence on Thursday, the 12-member jury retired to deliberate before returning with unanimous verdicts of not guilty on both charges.
Frederick became emotional after the verdicts were announced and was seen in tears as he left the courtroom.
Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Frederick said he was relieved by the outcome, particularly because the allegations had been brought against him by people he had cared for and assisted.
He said the seriousness of the allegations had taken a significant toll, including sleepless nights.
“I would like to tell a lot of men, don’t take women with children; stay away from them,” he stated.
Fredericks expressed gratitude to God, his attorney and the jurors for their roles in the proceedings.
Source: NEW ROOMS SITE
