Shreveport man found not guilty of sex crimes

A 52-year-old Shreveport man has been acquitted of charges alleging he committed sex crimes against juveniles.

A Caddo District Court Jury deliberated less than two hours Thursday night before finding Odis Dewayne Simmons, 52, not guilty of sexual battery and oral sexual battery of juveniles under the age of 15. The verdict was 10-2 to acquit.

Simmons maintained his innocence throughout his case. During the jury trial, prosecutors relied on inconsistent witness statements. The defense argued it was illogical any of the accusations made against Simmons even occurred based on the layout of the home being such that one of the several adults present at the time would have known if something did, in fact, occur.

Simmons had been held at Caddo Correctional Center since January 2016, but was released Friday morning.

Simmons was represented by Michelle AndrePont and Michael Davis, both of the Caddo Public Defender Office. Prosecutors were Pam Moser and Sam Creighton with the assistance of Britney Green.

More:Social media post nets convicted felon jail time