Jury acquits ex-survival instructor of rape

A former survival instructor smiled Wednesday as a Spokane jury read its decision to exonerate him of three counts of first-degree rape.

Michael W. Fassbender, 32, asked his attorney, Christian Phelps, if he was free to go and left with his friends and family.

Fassbender declined comment, but Phelps said, “The evidence wasn’t there for a conviction. From the beginning, Mr. Fassbender denied these allegations and chose to go to trial despite the enormous penalties he would have received if convicted.”

Most of the 11-man, one-woman jury also declined comment, but one of them said in passing, “It was a difficult decision.”

Read the rest of Thomas Clouse’s story here.

Past coverage:

June 15: ‘I know I never raped her,’ suspect testifies

June 10: National security issues in rape trial

June 9: Hostage specialist’s trial begins

Dec. 4: Rape suspect faces more charges

Nov. 3: Out on bail, accused rapist pleads not guilty

Oct. 21: Man accused of rape at Fairchild Air Force Base