Jurors heard from the alleged victim of sex crimes committed by retired police officer Willie Toney during the second day of his trial. This time, it was in the form of videotaped interviews of her as a child, shortly after the incidents.
Charges against Toney include first-degree rape and two counts of first-degree sodomy.
The trial began Monday with the testimony and cross-examination of the victim. She recalled two incidents where Toney had raped her.
In addition to sharing hours of taped interviews with the minor, prosecutor Kelly Burns Hawkins questioned an expert in forensic interviews who was given the opportunity to review the recordings and their transcripts.
While the details may have changed, the victim was always clear on who committed the crime, explained the expert. Today’s proceedings will begin with her cross-examination.
Before being dismissed for the day, a juror asked if the court expected the trial to continue through Thursday. The prosecution will most likely rest today and the defense will determine how they want to proceed, explained Circuit Judge Thomas Head.
“We’ll finish just as quick as we can,” said defense attorney Grady Reeves.
Head said the trial would most likely wrap up Thursday. Toney served on the city’s police force for more than 18 years – part of that time as a school resource officer.